Christian Art Museum



Christian Art Museum, Goa

Information on Christian Art Museum (Goa) - History & Architecture


Created in the year 1994, 'Museum of Christian Art' is regarded is the first museum of its kind in the whole Asian continent. The museum was initially located in Institution of Rachol in Salcette of Goa, however, at later phase it was repositioned in the monastery of Santa Monica of Old Goa. Museum of Christian Art displays the richness of Indo-Portuguese Christian talent. It also highpoints a portion of Goa's tradition that was abandoned and would have been gone if not well-maintained.

Christian Art Museum Architecture

Museum of Christian Art houses several best examples of Goa's unique and beautifully shaped religious arts. The ground base of the museum has an area of approximately 350 square meter. Museum of Christian Art also has an upper base with a large gallery which comprise an area of about 150 square meter. The museum possesses attractive assortment of beautiful articles and creative iconography. The collection of Museum of Christian Art also comprise rosaries and other objects created by gold, silver as well as various valuable stones. Apart from that, the museum also have certain beautiful ivory images. The fundamental theme in the collection of items in Museum of Christian Art is Indian influence to comprehend Christian arts. For example, St. Francis Xavier is a popular theme in Museum of Christian Art, which is demonstrated in silver inscriptions and on the boards of silver treasury. There is also an attractive shepherd which portrays Lord Jesus as a metaphorical drive observing his drove. Beneath him, there are clustering lambs, a cascade and image of St Mary Magdalene who lies in the front cavern. This image define a posture of Indian influence on studying Christian scriptures.

Christian Art Museum History

Museum of Christian Art has inherited Indian cultural legacy and history of Goa. It houses the prosperity which was found in several cathedrals that were created by Portuguese who lived in Goa in past times. Some of the items housed by Museum of Christian Art was also donated by private families. One interesting phenomenon of the history of Museum of Christian Art is that most of the works are developed throughout Portuguese period. Furthermore, some of the objects which are demonstrated in the museum were also created by local Hindu artists which explain the Indian influence. They were fastened to keep up with the demand of arts and architecture as church construction activities of Portuguese enhanced. It was also articulated that the outstanding Museum of Christian Art comprises sculptures, portraits and figures which were transferred from its old location, i.e. Institution of Rachol. The museums has number of items of Christian curiosity comprising portraits and spiritual silverware which date back to 16th century. It is worth mentioning that Museum of Christian Art was the first religious foundation in Asia and continued during the late 19th century. Afterwards, in the year 2011, Mumbai also proclaimed ideas to open its own Museum of Christian Art.

Christian Art Museum Tourism Importance

Museum of Christian Art is regarded as a tourism place particularly for people who loves art and history. Some of the objects which are demonstrated in the museum are quite old, possessing interesting story. The collection of the museum demonstrates complex Indian styles which are quite appealing for tourists. The travellers can also be fascinated by inscriptions along with various figures which depict the Christian lords. With diversity of fanciful stuffs, Museum of Christian Art is certainly a worthy place in Goa to visit.