Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa

The Museum of Christian Art is one of the few institutions of its kind in Asia. It is located in the Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa, in the vicinity of World Heritage Monuments. The Museum is a project of the Archdiocese of Goa, Daman and Diu and symbolizes an effort to showcase the richness of Indo-Portuguese Christian Art from Goa. Many of the works of Goan Christian art during the Portuguese era were produced by local Hindu artists, and exhibit a distinct Indian influence. Intended to be a representative collection, every object displayed in the museum, reflects the immense wealth of the Churches of Goa. Most of the artefacts were donated by the parishes within the Archdiocese itself.

Pelican Monstrace

The museum also possesses some beautiful ivory images. The Good Shepherd depicts Jesus as an allegorical shepherd watching his flock. He sits in a pensive posture on an   elaborately carved rocky mountain.Beneath him are frolicking lambs, a fountain and St Mary Magdalene lies in the front grotto, in what is described as a pose of Indian influence, studying the scriptures.

Ivory Statue of Jesus, the Shepherd Boy

The Museum is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm on all days, Monday to Sunday.