The Museum of Christian Art founded in 1994, was initially located in the Seminary of Rachol, Salcete, Goa and was relocated to Old Goa in 2002 within the precinct of the Convent of Santa Monica built in the year 1627 and known the world over for its architectural and historical importance.

The Museum houses a very important and unique collection of Christian art objects spanning from the 16th century to the middle of the 20th century. Recognised the world over as a perfect symbiosis of two cultural manifestations, Indian and Portuguese, these Indo-Portuguese Christian art objects besides their antiquity are known for their Indian (predominantly Hindu) contribution and whether ivory, silverware, woodwork or embroidered liturgical vestments, they are all of surprising richness and perfecti

on.

This art is highly appreciated by art lovers, research scholars and visitors alike. Attached here is a leaflet with some visitor comments taken from our Visitors Book.

The Portuguese who arrived in Goa in 1510, brought along with them religious orders who came with the purpose of evangelisation. Churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Sé Cathedral and the Mosteiro da Santa Monica in Old Goa were erected by these missionaries who also introduced masterpieces of Christian sculptures in ivory, wood, clay depicting images of Christ on the cross, of Virgin Mary under different invocations, of saints and angels. Local artists, silver smiths, gold smiths, wood carvers were often asked to copy these objects and consciously or unconsciously they began to superimpose their ow

n Indian artistic style on these European objects of art.
 
The Museum of Christian Art as a cultural institution aims to

• Conserve and exhibit valuable objects of art for public viewing;
• Create a love for such art objects that reveals the rich heritage of our ancestors;
• Motivate people to treasure such art objects in their Churches and homes;
• Cooperate in efforts for preservation of objects of Sacred Art.

The Museum is in pleasant surroundings and the added attractions are the Garden cafeteria serving tea, coffee and soft drinks and Step Inn the Museum shop where one can pick up handmade stationary, icons, postcards and books on Goa. The Museum features on the tour itinerary of several hotels in Goa as

well as the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).

The Museum is open to the public 7 days a week (Monday – Sunday) from 09.30 hours to 17.00 hours. The Entrance Fees are priced at Rs. 30/- per Adult, Rs. 10/- per Student. Children below the age of 12 years – Free.

All proceeds from the Entrance Fees, Step Inn (the Museum Shop) and Donations go towards the Conservation and Maintenance of the Museum.