Museum of Christian Art
Museum of Christian Art
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The Museum of Christian Art located in the 17th century Convent of Santa Monica in Old Goa, is the first such Museum in Asia and houses objects exclusively related to Christian Art. The Museum has a collection of unique indo-portuguese artworks many of which have been donated to the Museum, for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the general public - be it locals, tourists as well as researchers.The Museum mission statement is to preserve, showcase and highlight Goa’s unique Christian Art, which forms part of Goa’s rich heritage through innovative display and exhibition, conservation and educational programmes.
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- R RBoston, Massachusetts18 contributionsAmazing museum! Don't miss itWe had a fantastic visit to MoCA. The museum has an impressive collection that is displayed in state of the art exhibition space. Exhibition labels are clear and informative. The staff have also done excellent conservation and restoration work. We had a tour with Benjamin, who was an outstanding guide. He really knew his stuff and spent well over the allotted time with us. One of the best museums I have visited in my eight months in India.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 January 2024
- Pamela JBoston, Massachusetts51 contributionsExcellent installation, interesting collection, superb tourThe museum's collection is beautifully installed, with great lighting. We booked a tour, which exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Benjamin Monserrate, is a very knowledgeable and engaging curatorial associate. I am an art historian who has worked a bit on Goa, and my daughter is an historian of Indian trade, and we both benefited from Ben's presentation. Don't miss this wonderful collection, and be sure to book a tour.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 January 2024
- Franck12170New Delhi, India1,974 contributionsBeautiful small modern museum in an historical buildingWhat a surprise: a small museum of great quality, perfectly clean and friendly staff. Very modest entry fee and small shop. Entrance is right after the Santa Monica church and in fact the museum is installed in the other part of the church. Beautiful religious artefacts from around Goa dating from 17th to 20th century:in gold, silver, precious wood or ivory. Must to be seen while visiting Old Goa!Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 January 2024
- Paul HTwin Waters, Australia139 contributionsVery good museum!We are not religious people and often find museums over or under whelming. But the Museum of Christian Art in Velha Goa has got it all right. The museum is located in a restored convent dating back hundreds of years. The building, and church that is incorporated, are lovely and the museum offers an informed and interesting insight into the Christian faith. It is only small but has an excellent collection of religious artefacts to view. The staff are very helpful and we were fortunate to be the only visitors at the time. The museum is well worth a visit if you are in Velha Goa.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Paul H
Twin Waters, Australia139 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We are not religious people and often find museums over or under whelming. But the Museum of Christian Art in Velha Goa has got it all right.
The museum is located in a restored convent dating back hundreds of years. The building, and church that is incorporated, are lovely and the museum offers an informed and interesting insight into the Christian faith. It is only small but has an excellent collection of religious artefacts to view.
The staff are very helpful and we were fortunate to be the only visitors at the time. The museum is well worth a visit if you are in Velha Goa.
The museum is located in a restored convent dating back hundreds of years. The building, and church that is incorporated, are lovely and the museum offers an informed and interesting insight into the Christian faith. It is only small but has an excellent collection of religious artefacts to view.
The staff are very helpful and we were fortunate to be the only visitors at the time. The museum is well worth a visit if you are in Velha Goa.
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R R
Boston, MA18 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
We had a fantastic visit to MoCA. The museum has an impressive collection that is displayed in state of the art exhibition space. Exhibition labels are clear and informative. The staff have also done excellent conservation and restoration work. We had a tour with Benjamin, who was an outstanding guide. He really knew his stuff and spent well over the allotted time with us. One of the best museums I have visited in my eight months in India.
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Franck12170
New Delhi, India1,974 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
What a surprise: a small museum of great quality, perfectly clean and friendly staff. Very modest entry fee and small shop. Entrance is right after the Santa Monica church and in fact the museum is installed in the other part of the church. Beautiful religious artefacts from around Goa dating from 17th to 20th century:in gold, silver, precious wood or ivory. Must to be seen while visiting Old Goa!
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FVB06
Vence, France2,224 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Warning: do not confuse with the episcopal museum, attached to the Church of St Francis Assisi
This museum has just been completely renovated and it is a gem. It is partly in the old church and cloister of Santa Monica, a few steps from Bom Jesus.
Fantastic presentation and enhancement of 500 years of religious objects, each as beautiful as the next. Mixture of Portuguese influence and Indian art. The cloister church has also been restored and we can discover the vision of the choir that the nuns had (see photo)
This museum has just been completely renovated and it is a gem. It is partly in the old church and cloister of Santa Monica, a few steps from Bom Jesus.
Fantastic presentation and enhancement of 500 years of religious objects, each as beautiful as the next. Mixture of Portuguese influence and Indian art. The cloister church has also been restored and we can discover the vision of the choir that the nuns had (see photo)
Written 29 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Satyendra Garg
National Capital Territory of Delhi, India6,946 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Located next to the ruins of St. Augustine tower and monastery and in the immediate vicinity of Church of Santa Monica in Old Goa, this museum has good collection of artifacts of Christian art, mostly of the Portuguese time. Located in a two storied structure, there is a good display of these collection. One can spend good time here learning about the art and enjoying the high points of the art.
Written 31 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear SatyendraGrag,
Thank you for your review
Warm regards
Team MoCA
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
shiva00919890135992
Benaulim, India5 contributions
Nov 2012 • Family
christian art musium is an exllent place to when you are here in in goa ,it is in old goa near st augustins ruins. . the people who look after it are kind and helpful. the guides are good and free, like all the best things in life. they have looked aftyer my children. it has really t toilet so neat . its truelly musium piece in india.we keep going back to the place . it always feels like coming home to scool.. i do bird watching trips and always look after people. and the duides in the christian art musium look after artefacts and people as their life. thank you to them i can experience some kindness.
Written 4 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear shiva00919890135992,
Thank you for your review
Warm regards
Team MoCA
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VIVENDA REBELO
Panjim, India42 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
A lovely but very small museum at Old Goa The artifacts have been displayed well
although it has a small cafeteria which could have been managed well
although it has a small cafeteria which could have been managed well
Written 22 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear dericrebelo,
Thank you for your review
Warm regards
Team MoCA
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
piscean24
Panjim, India56 contributions
Though coved at the Santa Monica convent, a warm welcome greets you, there's a small fee to carry your camera in which is worth the while as you get to document images unavailable otherwise, albeit a request to be mindful not to use the flash on your cameras as the artifacts are indeed centuries old and may get damaged although cased in glass , Apart from the articles on display one should take a look at the paintings on the wall which do date back a very long time back, the majestic ceiling and the high windows rend a charm of its own, typical of the Portuguese architecture prevalent
Besides this , is a tiny but authentic goan art articles on sale exclusively made by Goan artisans, the prices reasonable and make excellent gifts to take back as memoirs or something you would like to give a loved one or friends.
When you do finish, theres a visitors to book where you can write your name n comments too, which can help you with a reminiscent when you come to Goa in your mind when you're away but feel you want to visit again. Ohh yes theres a very clean restroom too if you must take a break :)
Also as a note, since its a religious art museum, please do maintain the decorum requisite.
Besides this , is a tiny but authentic goan art articles on sale exclusively made by Goan artisans, the prices reasonable and make excellent gifts to take back as memoirs or something you would like to give a loved one or friends.
When you do finish, theres a visitors to book where you can write your name n comments too, which can help you with a reminiscent when you come to Goa in your mind when you're away but feel you want to visit again. Ohh yes theres a very clean restroom too if you must take a break :)
Also as a note, since its a religious art museum, please do maintain the decorum requisite.
Written 26 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeromeMarrel
Goa, India1,559 contributions
Feb 2012
The museum is settled in an old convent close to the Unesco site of old Goa. A very interesting collection which includes ivory embroidered banners, sacred utensils and gold jewellery. Do not miss it.
Written 20 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jerome M,
Thank you for your review
Warm regards
Team MoCA
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dennis C
Goa, India16 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
We took the walking tour of the Holy Hill conducted by MoCA. I have to say it was a really awesome and highly informative experience.
There are so many tiny unknown gems of historic and symbolic significance that we are unaware of.
Our tour guides Noah and Fraiser were a treasure trove of these hidden facts and are happy to engage and share their knowledge.
Their dedication and insights with regard to architecture as well as history is outstanding.
This isn't a regular 'guided tour'. It is very interactive and also a fun experience, not straight laced and sombre.
The walk lasts about 3 hours (average) and covers the main monuments of the oldest church OUR LADY OF ROSARY, THE ROYAL CHAPEL OF ST ANTHONY, RUINS OF ST AUGUSTINE, CHURCH OF ST MONICA and the MUSEUM of CHRISTIAN ART
There were so many surprises- A tree of life, a Jain influenced plaque, a fort like facade that's actually a church inside, a rain water harvesting system and so much more to discover.
The museum has been very well designed, laid out and built. There are some fabulous artifacts, art works, stauary and lots more that is very well presented and displayed.
One has to appreciate the conservation work that is a constant battle against the elements and (at times)uncivil visitors to the precincts. Both MoCA and ASI need to be lauded for this.
Considering the nominal charge for the tour, we were treated to some exceptionally great light refreshments at the cafe. (You don't have to be on a tour to enjoy the Cafe!! )
All in all this is lovely and eye opening way to spend a morning.
Oh yes, one more thing... our tour group were privileged to have Fraiser sing for us in the magnificent acoustics of the museum.
There are so many tiny unknown gems of historic and symbolic significance that we are unaware of.
Our tour guides Noah and Fraiser were a treasure trove of these hidden facts and are happy to engage and share their knowledge.
Their dedication and insights with regard to architecture as well as history is outstanding.
This isn't a regular 'guided tour'. It is very interactive and also a fun experience, not straight laced and sombre.
The walk lasts about 3 hours (average) and covers the main monuments of the oldest church OUR LADY OF ROSARY, THE ROYAL CHAPEL OF ST ANTHONY, RUINS OF ST AUGUSTINE, CHURCH OF ST MONICA and the MUSEUM of CHRISTIAN ART
There were so many surprises- A tree of life, a Jain influenced plaque, a fort like facade that's actually a church inside, a rain water harvesting system and so much more to discover.
The museum has been very well designed, laid out and built. There are some fabulous artifacts, art works, stauary and lots more that is very well presented and displayed.
One has to appreciate the conservation work that is a constant battle against the elements and (at times)uncivil visitors to the precincts. Both MoCA and ASI need to be lauded for this.
Considering the nominal charge for the tour, we were treated to some exceptionally great light refreshments at the cafe. (You don't have to be on a tour to enjoy the Cafe!! )
All in all this is lovely and eye opening way to spend a morning.
Oh yes, one more thing... our tour group were privileged to have Fraiser sing for us in the magnificent acoustics of the museum.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much time will it take to cover this museum?
Written 21 May 2017
Dear Jojo C
Apologies for the late reply. we have been closed for 2 years now, and will be reopening shortly with improved visitor experience.
To answer your question, about 30 minutes.
Hope to see you during reopening!
Written 26 December 2019
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