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Goa is the perfect destination for an Indian holiday with all its beaches, modern living, and unique culture. However, going beyond its beaches and party scene, a part of Goa represents its grand Portuguese history, age-old traditions, and remarkable style of living. These treasures from Goa’s history nestle with pride in its museums. If exploring a Goa museum excites you, you will surely love what we have for you. Here are seven museums in Goa that have preserved little aspects of Goan life - from its archaeology to its architecture and way of life.
List of Goa Museums to visit in your upcoming trip
1. Museum of Christian Art
The Museum Of Christian Art, located near the convent of Santa Monica in Old Goa, is a rich preserver of Christian artefacts from the 16th century when the Portuguese ruled Goa. It is one of the largest museums in town, covering an area of 2,000 sq. ft. and housing over 150 artefacts. The Museum of Christian Art Goa represents cultural harmony among Indians via its many carvings by local Hindu artists. Founded in 1994 with aid from the Archdiocese of Goa, the Portuguese Association, and the Indian National Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), this museum amuses visitors with its extraordinary statues and sculptures.
Location: Monte Santo (Holy Hill, next to St. Augustine Tower, Velha Goa
Entry fee: Rs 30 for adults, Rs 10 for students
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
2. Goa Science Centre
The next place you can visit is in the heart of Goa’s capital - the Goa Science Centre Panaji. The Goa Science Centre & Planetarium is a science museum in Miramar that is spread over 5 acres of land. The science centre also houses a planetarium, a theatre for 3D shows, and other exciting scientific exhibits that are truly fascinating for a science lover. Established as a joint project by the State Department of Science, Technology & Environment and the National Council of Science Museums, the Goa Science Centre Panaji promotes science as a field of study and exploration among aspiring youth.
Location: Marine Highway, Miramar, Panaji, Goa
Entry fee: Rs 15 for the Science Center, Rs 25 for the Planetarium, Rs 20 for 3D film
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
3. Goa Chitra Museum
If you’re looking to explore a museum in South Goa, the Goa Chitra Museum in Benaulim might be an ideal place for you. An ethnography museum exhibiting the Goan culture and way of life, the Goa Chitra Museum preserves a pristine image of the traditional Goan life distinct from its modern version. Established by Victor Huge Gomez to pay homage to his Portuguese ancestors, this museum has over 4000 items representing Goan culture, religion, occupation, and defence system. The museum also conducts workshops and activities to acquaint people with the traditions and rich cultural history of the place. The Archaeological Survey of India titled this museum in South Goa as the topmost contemporary museum in India.
Location: H.No. 498, Near Auxilium High School, Benaulim, Goa
Entry fee: Rs 300 per person
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
4. Benz Celebrity Wax Museum
A touristy thing you can do while in Goa is visit one of its wax museums. These places are fun and are perfect for clicking pictures. A wax museum Goa takes pride in is the Benz Celebrity Wax Museum. Pose next to the life-like statues of Robert Downey Jr., Rowan Atkinson, or Barack Obama in Arpora, Goa, near Calangute Beach. This wax museum Goa, has another attraction that is a hit among children. The museum has a 9D action theatre and an exciting car arena, ensuring the little ones have fun!
Location: Junction, Calangute - Arpora Road, near Arpora, Arpora, Goa
Entry fee: Rs 250 per person
Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
5. Archaeological Museum of Goa
A Goa museum representative of the rich archaeological history of the region is the Archaeological Museum of Goa. With its exceptional collection of artefacts from the prehistoric and late mediaeval Portuguese era, the museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Located near the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, this museum was once an ancient Franciscan Monastery. The Archaeological Survey of India laid the founding stone of the museum in 1964, but it was recognised much later in 1984. Everything from old statues, coins, wood and ivory sculptures, portraits, maps, paintings, stonework, inscriptions, and ceramics can be found gloriously preserved within this must-visit museum.
Location: EDC Complex Patto, Panaji, Goa
Entry fee: Rs 10 per person
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed on Fridays)
6. Houses of Goa Museum
Goan architecture is yet another mesmerising feature of the place that is well represented in the Houses of Goa Museum. This museum displays a rich collection of houses from the colonial era. With a unique ship-like structure, the museum was designed by Gerard de Cunha. If you’re looking for inspiration to design a vintage home, the magnificent designs on display at this museum would be interesting. You can find remnants of Portuguese architecture in this museum in the form of houses, home decor items, furniture, door & window frames, railings, ceramic tiles, etc.
Location: Alto Porvorim Penha de França, Goa
Entry fee: Rs 100 for adults, Rs 25 for children
Timings: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm (Closed on Mondays)
7. Goa State Museum
Lastly, a Goa museum you cannot miss is the Goa State Museum, also known as the State Archaeological Museum. This is an ancient archaeological and heritage museum at Adil Shah’s Palace in Panaji, Goa. With several departments like Geology, Ancient History, Archaeology, Art and Craft, etc., this museum began in 1977 and has over 8,000 artefacts. It houses many paintings, carvings, manuscripts, sculptures, rare coins, and anthropological objects. An earthly paradise for archaeology and history lovers, the Goa State Museum divides its treasures into interesting categories like Glimpses of Goan Culture, The Portuguese Phase, Goa through the Ages, and the Goa Freedom Struggle.
Location: Adil Shah Palace, Avenida Dom João de Castro, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa
Entry fee: Free
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (Closed on weekends)
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