By Casey Monteiro
A museum mirrors our past and helps us stay connected with it. Goa is home to several museums, which are worth a visit as we get an opportunity to see history come alive in a vivid way. The creativity added to the display, and depictions by the museum owners and curators, makes it interesting to the visitor.
Here's a look at some of Goa’s museums:
GOA STATE MUSEUM, PANJIM
This state museum has an exhibit of artefacts dating back to pre-Portuguese and Portuguese times, too. The fine display ranges from exquisite furniture to sculptures to objects related to Christian Art, anthropology, natural heritage etc.
LOCATION: Adil Shah Palace, Old Secretariat, Panjim
CONTACT: 0832-2436006, 0832-2434406
INDIAN NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM, VASCO
For those who love flying and dream of the skies, this one is for you. This museum has different aircrafts on display. Besides these flying manmade winged wonders, the museum also has various armaments etc on exhibit.
LOCATION: Indian Naval Aviation Museum, Vasco
CONTACT: 0832-2585384
MUSEUM OF CHRISTIAN ART, OLD GOA
Tour the museum and the splendid display of varied sculptures, textiles, art and furniture. All these antiques and the unique history behind them, will leave you amazed.
The venue of the Santa Monica Convent is host to concerts, too. The museum courtyard can be taken on hire for launches and other events. The museum also offers membership, which enables one to get exciting discounts.
LOCATION: Museum of Christian Art, Convent of Santa Monica, Holy Hill, next to ruins of St Augustine Monastery, Old Goa
CONTACT: 0832-2285299, 8308805399
HOUSES OF GOA MUSEUM, PORVORIM
This museum offers a glimpse into the history and evolution of Goan houses. The symbols seen in Goan houses, the materials used to construct such structures etc can be seen at this museum. Everything is well portrayed and keeps visitors engaged.
The history of Goa, as shown through the works of noted and globally acclaimed artist from Goa, Mario Miranda, is something to watch out for, besides the other exhibits.
LOCATION: Houses of Goa Museum, Torda, Porvorim
CONTACT: 0832-2411276
ANCESTRAL GOA, BIG FOOT MUSEUM, LOUTOLIM
This museum depicts Goa through the portrayal of a village. The lifestyle, dress, cuisine, occupations and more are gauged as one looks at the life-size sculptures. The museum is an ode to the lifestyle of the ancestors of Goa. It is truly a heritage marvel.
LOCATION: Ancestral Goa, Big Foot Museum, Loutolim
CONTACT: 0832-2777034
GOA CHITRA MUSEUM, BENAULIM
This museum, true to its name is a picture 'chitra' into Goa's past. This museum has an eclectic collection of agrarian tools and implements of yore. It’s a peek into how ancient Goans cultivated their natural resources for survival. Besides this, there are exhibits associated with traditional and cultural practices prevalent in Goa.
The museum has an organic farm which derives its inspiration in terms of methods and tool usage from the museum collection itself. A museum called Goa Chakra is part of this museum, too, and has a variety of old means of transport on display.
LOCATION: Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim
CONTACT: 0832-2772911
MUSEUM OF GOA (MOG), PILERNE
This is a space where, through the medium of contemporary art, one can get a closer look at Goa's history and the evolution of its various facets. There are regular talks, workshops and other educative events taking place here.
LOCATION: Museum Of Goa (MOG), Plot No. 79, Industrial Estate, Pilerne
CONTACT: +91 77220 896 66
AAMCHEM DAAIZ MUSEUM, SATTARI
This is latest addition to the list of museums in Goa. It was inaugurated earlier this year. This ethnographic museum has a huge collection of old items used in Goa. So, from coins to utensils to cassettes and agricultural implements, this place is truly a reservoir of Goa's ancient daily use treasures, which makes it worthy of its name, which in Konkani means ‘Our Heritage’.
LOCATION: Aamchem Daaiz Museum, Sattari
CONTACT: 8308833020, 9420769009, 9420166521