Museum of Christian Art

4.3

Location: Convent of Santa Monica, Goa Velha, Goa 403402, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 to 2 hours (approximately)

The Museum of Christian art is situated in the 17th-century Convent of Santa Monica in the heart of Old Goa. This is the first Christian Art or this kind of Museum in Asia. This is a magnificent museum. This Museum is globally known as a perfect symbol of two cultural manifestations (Indian and European). It has a collection of Indo-Portuguese artworks which have been donated to the museum. This place is enjoyable place and educational. Not only tourists but also researchers come to visit this place from all over the world. This is a heritage site in Goa. If you are in Goa, this is a must-visit place for you.

Attraction

A museum is an ocean of knowledge. Like other museums, it will give you a lot of knowledge. The collection of the museum is very interesting. You will be able to witness different kinds of historical and religious things which you can’t find in any other place. It will not just give you knowledge but also lots of fun. If you love historic things you must go there once.

History

The museum of Christian art was founded in 1994. Under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Goa, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage) with assistance from Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Portugal originally set up the Museum at the Rachel seminary. But after it was shifted to the Convent of Santo Monica, which is an architectural and religious memorial in Old Goa. It highlights the treasures of Indo-Portuguese Christian art. The age of the historical pieces is from the 17th century to the middle of the 20th century.

Inside/Outside Views

The museum of Christian art has a lot of collections of different things. There is an excellent painting of St. Ursula. There are some images of Jesus, the Good Shepherd carved from ivory, and from the 17th century which is a famous piece in the museum. There you will also find some other things like chalices and salvers made of precious metal, sculptures, carvings on wood, paintings, adornments, and implements used for the ritual of holy mass. There you will also find some beautifully embroidered vestments that the priest would use to say mass. With them, there is a “mass kit” that priests could carry with them when going to say mass in the distant village.

Opening Hours

The Museum of Christian art is open all day of the week. It opens at 9:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm.

Entry & Others Fees

A visitor needs to a little entry fee to visit the museum.

For adults INR 5 (per person)
For children INR 2 (per person)

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By air: The nearest airport to Basilica of Bom Jesus is Goa international airport. It is about 29.6 km away from the church. It is well connected with the other major cities of India. At the airport, you can find local transport which can take you to the renowned place.

By train: The Karmali Railway Station is located at a distance of 31.2 km from the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This railway station is also well connected with the other major cities of India. To reach your destination, you need to hire any local transport which is available at the railway station.

Tips for Travellers

Carry important things in a small bag. Must carry a photo ID card. You may carry a notepad, a pen, and a water bottle.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, it is a safe place for tourists. For your convenience here is the local police station information:

Location: Goa Velha, Goa 403402, India

Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/hZb1CSgXPei1Gbd86

Phone no: +918322285301

Que-02: Is photography allowed in this place?

Ans: Photography is not allowed inside the museum or on museum premises. You need to remember that.

Que-03: Is parking available in the Museum of Christian Art?

Ans: Yes, parking is available in the Museum of Christian art.

Que-04: Is there any food corner in the Museum of Christian art?

Ans: There is a cafe on the premises. It serves delicious snacks and beverages.

Que-05: Is there any washroom available in the Museum of Christian Art?

Ans: Yes, you will find a washroom there on the ground level of the museum.

Que-06: Is there any locker room in the Museum of Christian art?

Ans: There is a locker room in the museum, where the visitors can store their bags belongings, and the things that are not allowed in the museum.

Lost and found things: You can deposit lost and found things at the ticket counter.

Wheelchair: Wheelchairs are also available in the museum to make the visit comfortable for all the visitors.

Que-07: When is the best time to visit the Museum of Christian art?

Ans: The perfect time to visit the museum is from November to March. At this time the weather in Goa is amazing and so pleasant. But you can go there any time of the year.