Museums in Goa

Archaeological Museum
Old Goa, 9 km from Panaji, was once the centre of Portuguese dominion on the west coast of India. Here one can see fortress walls and administrative buildings, monasteries and impressive churches, especially the Basilica de Born Jesus which contains the mortal remains of Saini Francis Xavier.

The Archaeological Museum, housed in an abandoned convent of St. Francis of Assisi, displays objects that recreate the history of Goa.

On display are antiquities from Hindu period, sculpture of Hindu deities, for example an Uma-Mahesha, and many sati and hero stones. The large coin collection displays coin issued by various rulers, Hindu, Muslim and Portuguese.

The paintings include portraits of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer reached India in 1498, and Alfonsu Albuquerque, the founder, and other governors, all clad in the prevailing European fashions of the day.

Archaeological Museum
Old Goa
Timing: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Closed on Mondays and government holidays.


Museum of Goa, Daman & Diu
The Museum of Goa concentrates on archaeological and archival material. Consequently the sculpture collection displays antiquities from the various Hindu dynasties that once ruled Goa. Also on view are important inscriptions and manuscripts, coins and textiles. The furniture, art objects, especially ivory statues, pertain to Christian-Portuguese influences.

Museum of Goa, Daman and Diu
Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museum
Ashirvad Building St. Inez, Panaji, Goa 403 001
Timings: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm
Closed on Sundays and public holidays