Fun Facts :

Location : Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa.

Established : 1994

Highlights : Rosaries made of gold and stones, ivory image of Jesus as Good Shephard and image of St. Francis Xavier.

Timings :  Open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Museum of Christian Art holds a unique collection of church art that flourished during the Portuguese region in Goa. This museum was created by a joint collaboration between Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), New Delhi and Calouste Gulbentian foundation of Portugal. The sculptures and paintings of Museum of Christian Art include the Indo-Portuguese Christian Art of Goa. Such an art-form is truly a rare one, since it is found only in Museum of Christian Art, Goa in whole of Asia.

This museum primarily presents artifacts that represent enormous wealth of the churches in Goa. All the objects displayed in this museum are precious and reveals the plush churches that were made by the Portuguese rulers along with donations from some wealthy Goan families.

The sculptures of this museum exhibit a blend of Indian and Portuguese art. A close observation of the central theme of this museum will show Indian contribution (predominantly Hindu) to Christian art.

Objectives behind making the Museum :

This museum was set up in order to retain the Indo-Portuguese Christian art from becoming extinct. This form of art was highly neglected during its time. Thus, its preservation keeps it alive till today and makes it a rare collection indeed. There were several other objectives, apart from conservation, behind the creation of this museum.

The museum authorities looked forward to grow a love for this art, by putting the valuable objects for public viewing. This will enable people all over the world to see the rich heritage of our ancestors. Moreover, displaying such art focused in motivating other people to treasure such artifacts in their churches and homes. Museum authorities are hopeful that public display of this unique art will bring co-operation from individuals in restoring this lost art.

History:

The Museum of Christian Art was first located at the Seminary of Rachol, Salcette, Goa, where it was inaugurated in the year 1994. Later on, this museum was shifted to the convent of Santa Monica.