Introduction:
The sand, the sea, and the sun are the words that encapsulate the broad image of Goa. However, beyond this tropical imagery, Goa has been a treasure trove of museums that shed light on its glorious and tumultuous past. It is a state brimming with culture and heritage, which are carefully preserved in its museums. Take a deep dive into Goan history as the relics of the past narrate the story of a bygone era. For those of you interested in history, archaeology, and antique items, here are some of the best museums in Goa to explore:
Museums in Goa are:
1. Goa State Museum, Panaji
2. Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa
3. Museum of Goa, Marra
4. Houses of Goa, Alto-Torda, Porvorim
5. Archaeological Museum of Goa, Velha Goa
6. Kristu Kala Mandir Art Gallery, Panjim
7. Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts, Panjim
1. Goa State Museum, Panaji
Goa state museum was opened in 1996 and is a central place that has crystallised Goa’s tradition and heritage. You can look around this museum on the basis of various departments including Ancient History and Archaeology, Art and Craft, and Geology. The museum may be small in size, however you will see many artefacts on exhibition such as
stone sculptures, wooden carvings, bronzes, manuscripts, rare coins, and anthropological items.
Goa state museum is one of the most visited museums in the state. This place is an absolute delight to visit for history and art lovers. It has a total of fourteen galleries which are categorised as Sculpture, Religious Expression, Christian Art, Portuguese phase and more. It sheds light on Goa’s historic and cultural markers and presents them in a thematic way.
Address: Adil Shah Palace, Avenida Dom João de Castro, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa
Timings: Monday to Friday 10 am to 5:30 pm
Pricing: No entry fee
2. Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa
Museum of Christian Art is the first museum in Asia that exhibits Christian Art. The museum is located in the convent of Santa Monica and displays revered items of Indo-Portuguese arts related to Chrsitian themes and motifs.
It was built for exhibiting historical artwork, however, the museum transformed and evolved into a special space. Many artists and art lovers engage in a collaborative effort with the museum to generate awareness regarding protection and restoration of these exclusive artwork. The museum also went under a facelift from the years 2017- 2020, remained closed during the pandemic and reopened in May 2022 for the general public once again.
Address: Monte Santo (Holy Hill, next to St. Augustine Tower, Velha Goa)
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Admission fee: INR 100/-
3. Museum of Goa, Marra
If you are a fan of modern art, you should definitely pay a visit to the Museum of Marra. The museum was established by Dr. Subodh Kerka in 2015 who envisioned a space that would display contemporary artwork. The artworks here honour the people and history of Goa via contemporary lens. According to the museum’s vision, it is not just a repository of artefacts but rather a space for ideas where different forms of art interact with others.
Museum of Goa or MOG hosts several exhibitions throughout the year and encourages artists to present their art from Goa and from around the world. An interesting fact is that the word MOG means love in Konkani language which further encapsulates the essence of this place and its love for contemporary art. It is a beautiful three storied building with an expansive space of 16,000 sq ft., ideal for spending a hot day in Goa.
Address: 79, Industrial Estate, Pilerne, Goa 403511
Timings: Mondays closed, 10 AM to 6 PM
Admission fee: INR 100 and for foreigners INR 300
4. Houses of Goa, Alto-Torda, Porvorim
An interesting and quirky museum that should be on your bucket list is Houses of Goa in Porvorim. This museum display a collection of houses that were built during the colonial rule
In Goa. The conception of this museum is praiseworthy as it flaunts a ship-like structure. This museum was the brainchild of Gerard de Cunha. It displays objects like home decor items, doors, windows, ceramic tiles, railings, frames etc. which were prevalent in the bygone era of Portuguese rule.
Address: House No. 674, Torta, Salvador do Mundo, Penha de França, Goa
Timings: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM, closed on Monday
Admission fee: INR 150/-
5. Archaeological Museum of Goa, Velha Goa
Located at the back of the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, this museum houses important valuable items from Portuguese rule in Goa. This museum is categorised into eight galleries which exhibits paintings of former Viceroys and Governors of Goa. Along with an impressive collection of artefacts related to Portuguese rule in Goa, the museum also preserves the early historic and late mediaeval periods of Goan history. You can also witness a collection of religious artefacts, stamps and fragmented sculptures from Hindu temples.
Address: Behind Se Cathedral, Velha Goa, Goa
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm from Saturday to Thursday
Admission fee: INR 100/- approx
6. Kristu Kala Mandir Art Gallery, Panjim
Kristu Kala Mandir Art gallery is dedicated to provide a platform to budding artists and painters. This establishment is a safe space for art lovers and artists to meet, present and talk over their shared interest in arts and crafts. They also take immense pride in providing a space to make the artwork of Goan artists visible and promoting its rice and vibrant culture. You can visit this art gallery as they host several workshops, one-on-one sessions and artist residencies. Many national and international artists also come and display their artwork in exhibitions hosted by Kristu Kala Mandir Art gallery.
Address: Near St. Cathedral.
Timings: Monday (Closed), Tuesday to Saturday (9:30 AM – 5:30 AM) & Sunday (9:30 AM – 12:00 AM)
Admission fee: Free
7. Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts, Panjim
Dattaraj V. Salgaocar and Dipti established the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts. Nestled in Panjim’s scenic Altinho hills, Sunaparanta is home to many art galleries, a library, a spacious multipurpose area ideal for seminars and lectures, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a courtyard with Café Al Fresco.
The Centre is a fervent supporter of the arts in Goa, offering workspace and exhibition areas, helping with grant financing and exchange programmes, giving creative and infrastructural support for unique cooperative projects, and establishing connections with local, national, and worldwide institutions.
Address: 63/C-8, Altinho, near Army House, Panaji, Goa 403001
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm, Sundays closed.
Entry Fee: Free for visitors
Explore museums, art galleries, and many other establishments in Goa that showcase its vibrant history and diverse heritage. Along with that, take a chance and explore Goa’s exclusive luxury real estate market for buying villas in Goa. You too can explore villas in Goa by Veera Developers Group, such as Veera Eminence, a 4BHK luxurious villa in Saipem overlooking the Nerul River.