Museum Of Christian Art

About Museum Of Christian Art

About Museum Of Christian Art

Interesting things see in Museum Of Christian Art

Phone: 0832 228 5790

Visit Time: - The church is open on all days except on Sundays. Timings are between 7.30 in the morning to 6.30 in the evening.

Best time to visit Museum Of Christian Art

October to March. Weekday mornings are best. Combine with other Old Goa churches and monuments.

Timings & opening hours

Daily, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The ticket counter closes at 4:30 PM. Closed on public holidays.

Entry fee & tickets

₹100 for adults, ₹50 for students. An audio guide is available via smartphone.

Duration needed

1 to 2 hours.

Location info

Convent of Santa Monica, Holy Hill, Old Goa — next to St. Augustine’s Ruins.

Safety tips

Quiet, safe area. Wear comfortable shoes for walking between churches. Sun protection is advised as much walking is outdoors.

Things to carry

Valid ID, smartphone for the audio guide, modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered for church entry). Note: photography is NOT permitted inside the museum.

Nearby visiting places

Basilica of Bom Jesus (about 4 minutes’ walk), Se Cathedral (about 5 minutes’ walk), Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Augustine Tower ruins, and the Archaeological Museum.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Old Goa bus stop (frequent buses from Panaji and Margao). Karmali Railway Station is about 7 km.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide coverage across Goa. In beach areas and towns, 4G is generally reliable. Coverage may be weaker in remote interior locations or along certain coastal stretches. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options near the museum may be limited. The nearest town or beach area typically has restaurants and cafes. Carrying water is recommended — most museums do not allow food inside.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or beach area. Options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels.

History of Museum Of Christian Art

The Museum of Christian Art was inaugurated on 23 January 1994 — the first museum of its kind in Asia. It was founded through a partnership between the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Portugal), and INTACH. Originally housed at Rachol Seminary, it relocated in 2002 to the Convent of Santa Monica. It underwent a major ₹10 crore renovation and reopened in May 2022. It houses nearly 200 artefacts spanning the 16th to mid-20th centuries, showcasing Indo-Portuguese Christian art — a symbiosis of Indian craftsmanship and European Christian iconography.

Things to do at Museum Of Christian Art

View over 150 artefacts: sculptures, paintings, liturgical objects, ivory carvings, textiles, and furniture. See the famous 17th-century ivory “Good Shepherd” carving. Admire the processional banner of St. Joseph with ivory faces. View the Pelican Monstrance (exhibited at The British Museum). Examine the 17th-century teak cabinet (Contador) with naga (serpent) supports.

Things to visit & highlights

The single-piece ivory carving of The Good Shepherd (17th century), the Pelican Monstrance and Tabernacle (international exhibition piece), the Holy Trinity white marble sculpture, the 17th-century Contador cabinet with naga supports, the silk-and-gold embroidered processional banner, and the historic Convent of Santa Monica itself.

Climate & weather

Goa has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (November–February) is the peak tourist season: temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C with low humidity, clear skies, and calm seas — ideal for all outdoor activities. Summer (March–May) is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C; beaches are less crowded but midday heat can be intense. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and high humidity; many beach shacks close, but the landscape is lush and green, and it is the quietest time for those seeking solitude.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police (Old Goa): +91-832-2285116. Ambulance: 108. Museum: +91-8308805399.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are located on the Panaji–Old Goa road, about 3–5 km from the museum.

Frequently asked questions

Is photography allowed in the Museum of Christian Art? No — photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum.

Where is the Museum of Christian Art located? In the Convent of Santa Monica on Holy Hill, Old Goa — next to St. Augustine’s Ruins.

What is the most famous exhibit? The 17th-century single-piece ivory carving of “The Good Shepherd.”

Accessibility

Museum accessibility varies. Major museums in Goa (Archaeological Museum, Museum of Christian Art) have level access or ramps at the entrance. Smaller, privately-run museums in older buildings may have steps and narrow doorways. Contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility information.

Rules & restrictions

Photography rules vary — some museums prohibit all photography, others allow photography without flash. Check signage at the entrance. Do not touch exhibits. Food and drinks are not permitted inside most museums. Large bags may need to be checked. Follow the designated visitor route and respect gallery closures. Use audio guides and headsets if provided.

Best photography spots

Check the museum’s photography policy before shooting — some prohibit all photography. For permitted photography, use available light — flash is rarely allowed. Focus on details: artefact textures, gallery compositions, and architectural features of the museum building itself. The best museum photos tell a story about the collection rather than trying to capture everything.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.