San Thome Museum

About San Thome Museum

About San Thome Museum

Phone: +91 98223 63917

Visit Time: The museum is open from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM all days of the week.

Best time to visit San Thome Museum

November to March. Weekday mornings are best. Avoid afternoons in summer as some areas may be warm.

Timings & opening hours

Daily, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Open all days of the week. No prior reservation is required.

Entry fee & tickets

₹200 per adult, ₹100 per child. Student groups: ₹25–50 per student. Free for old age homes, orphanages, and specially disabled visitors. Cash is preferred — card or UPI may not be available. The guided tour is included in the entry fee.

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour; the guided tour takes about 20–25 minutes. Enthusiasts may spend 1–2 hours.

Location info

Varca, Salcette, South Goa — on the Dabolim–Cavelossim Road, near Our Lady of Gloria Church.

Safety tips

Mobile network connectivity is poor in the area. Carry cash as card and UPI may not work. Public transport is limited — plan your return transport in advance.

Things to carry

Cash, camera (still photos allowed to a limited extent; videography is prohibited), water, and sun protection.

Nearby visiting places

Cavelossim Beach (about 4 km), Varca Beach (about 3 km), Our Lady of Gloria Church, Margao town (about 10 km), Carmona Beach, and Mobor Beach.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Public buses on the Margao–Cavelossim route pass near Varca. However, mobile network is poor in the area and the nearest bus stop is a walk away. A taxi or own vehicle is advised.

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 San Thome Museum

San Thome Museum was inaugurated on 19 January 2014. It was founded by Thomas Antonio da Costa, an electrical engineer who sailed with a German shipping company, inspired by his father Artur da Costa, a Swiss-trained watchmaker. Da Costa collected artefacts for years by advertising in newspapers, visiting scrap yards, and through international travels, restoring “junk pieces” to working condition. He received the Dalgado Puroskar award in 2023. The museum documents the technical revolution from 1800 AD through the digital age.

Things to do at San Thome Museum

Take the guided tour exploring vintage typewriters (including a WWI-era Remington 10), cameras, audio equipment, gramophones, clocks, sewing machines, and antique bottles. See the 3.3-tonne anchor from the same company that made the Titanic’s anchor. View the Schiedmayer grand piano (1880–1890) with ivory keys — claimed to be the only working example of its kind in Asia. See the life-size bronze statue of St. Thomas. Visit the on-site vegetarian restaurant and cafe.

Things to visit & highlights

The 3.3-tonne Titanic-style anchor (“Apshi”), the Schiedmayer grand piano (claimed the only working example of its kind in Asia), the WWI-era Remington 10 typewriter, the “Father and Son” lenticular metal artwork made from 200+ screws, nuts, and bolts, and the 1941 Lister generator restored from rusted condition.

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 (Colva): +91-832-2788367. Ambulance: 108.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are located on the Margao–Cavelossim road, about 3–5 km from the museum.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded San Thome Museum? Thomas Antonio da Costa, a former electrical engineer who collected and restored artefacts over many years.

What is the most unusual exhibit? The 3.3-tonne anchor made by the same company that produced the Titanic’s anchor, and the Schiedmayer grand piano — claimed to be the only working example of its kind in Asia.

Is there food available? Yes — “The Veggie Vibes Goa” restaurant and “Simple Pleasures Goa” cafe are on site.

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.