Aviation To Art: 13 Museums To Check Out In Goa

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For the curious traveller, Goa has a lot to offer. Be it exploring hidden beaches and Goa's Latin Quarter or an island filled with ruins of cathedrals and temples, to a whole bunch of museums that are scattered across Goa. Now whether you're into vintage cars, into exploring Goa's architectural heritage, its traditional art or naval history, this list of museums in Goa will come in handy on your next trip.

Goa State Museum

To understand local culture and history, visit the Goa State museum in Panjim. This museum features exhibits, and artefacts that help understand Christian art, cultural anthropology, history of printing in the state, lottery printing, furniture, sculptures and Goa’s struggle for freedom. The museum is divided into galleries, out of which 12 are open to the public. These include the Banerji Art Gallery and Sculpture Gallery.

Entry Fees: Free

Timings: Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

Location: Panaji

LBB Tip: The museum also organises screenings for students on prior intimation.

Goa Chitra Museum

The Goa Chitra Museum in Benaulim is one of the few museums in Goa that showcases traditional farming equipment, which includes tools used by farmers centuries ago. There are over 4000 tools exhibited here. This museum in Goa also showcases coconut farming tools, local pottery, ancient carts, milk churning tools, traditional hand-woven baskets and several other implements that are not in use any more. The Archaeological Survey of India has rated this museum “India’s Top Most Contemporary Museum”.

Entry Fees: INR 300 

Timings: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm

Location: Benaulim

Houses Of Goa

The Houses Of Goa museum is designed in the shape of a ship, and is located in Bardez. It is a gorgeous building that houses artefacts that give an insight into the history of the state, making it a treat for architecture lovers. The stunning interiors and exteriors are definitely worth a visit, but the highlight of your trip here will be the paintings of Mario Miranda that are displayed at the Mario Gallery inside. 

Entry: INR 100 for adults, INR 25 for children

Timings: Every day except Monday from 10 am to 7.30 pm

Location: Penha de França

Ashvek's Vintage World

Ashvek’s Vintage World was opened in 2004, and is a museum that exhibits vintage and classic cars and bikes. It’s the only one of its kind, and an absolute treat for automobile enthusiasts. A visit will bring you face to face with rare, unique classics, like the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen (the world’s first production automobile) or the DKW Munga and 1936 Vidal G1200 Tempo (vintage military vehicles) and even the most popular Mercedes of all time, the 1939 Mercedes Benz 170V. When here, make sure you stop by to ogle at the beauty of the Volkswagen Beetle that has cartoons of Mario Miranda drawn on it.

Entry: INR 100 INR for adults

Timings: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm and 3 to 6 pm

Location: Nuvem

Museum Of Christian Art

This is Asia’s only museum featuring an impressive collection of sculptures, furniture, ivory, paintings, textiles and metals, as well as an extensive collection of Indo-Portuguese Christian art and historical exhibits. If you wish to understand the rise and importance of Christianity in Goa, you must visit this museum located in Velha. When you’re here, don’t miss out on the Holy Trinity sculptures.

Entry Fees: INR 100 for adults, INR 50 for students

Timings: Every day from 10 am to 5 pm

Location: Monte Santo, Velha

Indian Naval Aviation Museum

This museum in Goa is another unique one which displays items and artefacts, machinery as well as equipment that show the evolution on the Indian naval forces over the years. Located in Bogmalo, this museum is divided into 2 parts - an outdoor exhibit that has a range of decommissioned aircraft that served with the Navy, a shed that displays old aircrafts and their engines, and an inside gallery where you can see information about the type of machines used, vintage photos from aviation history and other information about the Indian Navy.

Entry: Free

Timings: Every day except Monday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

Location: Vasco da Gama

Big Foot Museum

Located in Loutolim, this museum in Goa is also called the Big Foot Museum and is an open air space that displays life-size statues and sculptures that depict the culture of rural Goa. There is also an art gallery that displays paintings of children and local artists. The handicraft section of the museum displays Goan handicrafts. A visit to the model village will help you understand Goan traditional homes, village market, liquor stores and distilleries. On your visit, do not miss the sculpture of Sant Mirabai, a sculpture entered the Limca Book of Records for being a laterite creation completed within 30 days.

Entry: INR 50 

Timings: Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Location: Loutolim

Here are other exciting things to do when in Loutolim.

Palacio do Deao

This museum in Goa is actually a sprawling bungalow, and is a treasure trove of cultural artefacts. Visit to view the Indo-Portuguese architecture and stone ornaments that speak of Goa’s rich history. The library here is filled with rare books, and filled with stories of the past. This is also a heritage villa where you can stay. You can also indulge in local Goan cuisine here on prior booking. 

Entry: Free

Timings: Open daily except Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm

Location: Quepem

Wax World Museum

The Wax World Museum in Goa features more than 30 gigantic statues of well-known Indian celebrities and historical figures, each finished with fine detailing. For a fun activity with the entire family, a visit to this interesting wax museum is a good idea. When you’re here, don’t miss out on the sculpture of The Last Supper which is 22ft in length and weighs 500kgs!

Entry: INR 30 

Timings: Open daily from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm

Location: Velha 

Archaeological Museum Of Goa

This museum in Goa was built in the mid-nineteenth century and displays antiquities from the medieval period. The museum is filled with portraits of governors and viceroys who ruled Goa during the colonial times, ancient Persian and Arabic inscriptions, weapons used by the Portuguese army and such related artefacts. A few vintage postage stamps are also displayed in a small section here.

Entry: INR 10

Timings: Every day except Friday from 9 am to 5 pm

Location: Velha

Goa Science Centre

If you’re a science nerd, a visit to this museum in Goa comes highly recommended. Located in Panjim, this museum is where you can see galaxies, the moon, the night sky and distant planets. You can also attend a science demonstration lecture, see 3D film shows, play games and learn scientific concepts and principles, making this a fascinating spot for families with children. The museum also features a planetarium and science park. This one's also perfect for those curious about astronomy and to hit up with the kids. 

Entry: INR 15 onwards

Timings: Open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm

Location: Panaji

The Figueiredo Mansion

This family mansion in Goa is older than the Taj Mahal! The house dates back to 1590, just after the Portuguese arrived in Goa. The Figueiredo family was an influential one, and you can take a sneak peek into their lives back in the 1500s through the displays of the crystals, chandeliers, and paintings in this mansion. The museum also has an impressive collection of furniture, porcelain, Chinese silk embroidered garments, various costumes and dresses, and 20th century dinner sets from Portugal, 17th century china. In all, this is a field day for those into antiques and the ways of the royals. 

Entry: INR 300 for the museum 

Timings: Open daily from 9.30 am to 1 pm and 2 to 5 pm

Location: Loutolim

LBB Tip: The Figueiredo family have turned this grand house into a heritage home stay by opening five of its rooms for tourists.

Pro-Tip

If museums aren't your thing, then here is a list of all the happening beaches where you can enjoy the amazing nightlife.