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Location : Old Goa, North Goa District. 9 kms from Panaji.

Timings : Open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Fridays.

Highlights : Antiques, Sculptures, paintings, portraits, armory used during Portuguese reign; sculptures of Hindu deities

Archaeological museum of Goa is perhaps the most visited museum of Goa. Almost every tourist takes time out from basking in the sun to visit this museum. This museum was established by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). One can take a look into the architectural finesse of the fortress walls, administrative buildings and churches of Portuguese era. The chief focus of Archaeological Museum of Goa is Basilica de Born Jesus, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier has been preserved. This is one of the main attractions of this museum. Every year tourists thrive to see the remains of this noble man.

Collection of Hindu Art :

This museum not only showcases the Christian portraits and sculptures, but it also displays Hindu deities. One can see sculptures and antiques of ancient Hindu deities like Uma-Mahesha, sati. The extensive coin collection of this museum shows the coins issued by Hindu, Muslim and Portuguese rulers.

Rare Collection :

This museum contains some of the rare artifacts that were once stolen. Among its rarities a pair of bronze statue of Jain which were rescued by the custom officials from smugglers. One can see prehistoric Usgalimal rock carvings at the ground floor of this museum.

Potrait Collection :

The valuable collection of paintings at this museum includes a well-known portrait of Vasco da Gama. The portrait of Alfonse Albuquerque can also be seen along with the portraits of other governors.

Apart from the aforesaid collections, several other antiques are on display at Archeologial Museum of Goa. Among other attractions, are the traditional weapons like rifles, daggers, swords etc. which were used during Portuguese era in Goa.

History :

Archaeological museum of Goa was previously the convent of St. Francis Assisi. This convent was closed by the Portuguese government in 1835. Later on, when ASI started to preserve ancient churches and convents of Goa, this convent was made into a museum.