The
museums of Goa embody an effort to preserve the unique culture and
heritage of the state. The chequered history of the state marked by
invasions and occupations finds an expression through the artifacts
preserved in the Goa museums. Besides a plethora of archeological
relics, the museums in Goa also house exquisite art and crafts and both
traditional and modern paintings. Given below are some famous museums in
Goa:Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Goa was set up in 1964 under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, which was lying in a state of dereliction since it was closed by the Portuguese government in 1835, was chosen as the museum venue. The museum underwent an extensive renovation regime in 1981-82.
Goa State Museum
Known as much for its impressive architecture as for the splendid collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures, the Goa State Museum has done much to preserve the heritage of the state. The humble origins of the museum can be traced to 1973 when the Archeology and Museum unit was set up in the Department of Archives in Goa.
Museum of Christian Art
The Museum of Christian art is a unique repository of the exquisite church art that blossomed during the Portuguese era. The only one of its kind in Asia, the Christian Art Museum was set up in 1994 in a joint collaboration between Calouste Gulbentian foundation of Portugal and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), New Delhi.
Naval Aviation Museum
The Naval Aviation Museum is a glorious tribute to the origin and evolution of the Indian Naval Wing. Showcasing a multitude of warbirds that served the duty of the land, the Naval Aviation Museum is the only one of its kind in the whole of Asia. Inaugurated on October 12, 1998, the Naval Aviation Museum is divided into two sections, an out-door exhibit and a number of indoor galleries.
