Asia's first museum of Christian Art, reputed to be the only one of it's kind, was inaugurated in 1994 by then President of India, Shri Shankar Dayal Sharma.
The museum which has enriched the cultural heritage and history of Goa was originally set up with technical and financial assistance from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Portugal and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) – New Delhi and located at the Seminary of Rachol, Salcette, Goa.
For the convenience of the general public and visitors to Goa and with the support of The Archdiocese of Goa, the museum is now relocated within the precinct of the Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa, in the vicinity of the World Heritage Monuments.
The Convent of Santa Monica built in the year of 1627 is itself of considerable architectural and historical importance. The Convent was at one time exceedingly important and was known as the Royal Monastery on account of patronage.
Adjacent to the museum in the Convent of Santa Monica, is the famous Chapel of the Weeping Cross. Many miracles have been said to be wrought through veneration of the “miraculous” cross which is placed above one of the side altars.
The central theme in the selection of objects for display apart from their antiquity is the Indian(predominantly Hindu) contribution to Christian Art. It is said that has made the museum unique, in that it represents the symbols of East-West art and culture and consequently of interest to research scholars and visitors.
Want to experience the richness of culture and Heritage, then visit the “Museum of Christian Art” Goa. It will be undoubtedly an experience of lifetime!
(AW:Samrat Biswas)
