The Best Museums to Visit in Goa

The Museum of Christian Art is one of the best museums in Goa. It depicts the remnants of Christianity in Goa, and has an extensive collection of Indo-Portuguese Christian art and historical exhibits. What makes this museum a must-visit is the fact that it houses centuries-old exhibits, and some of the displays showcased here were crafted by local Hindu artists. The exquisite displays include sculptures, ivory, statues, furniture, precious metals, textiles, paintings and other curiosities.

Operational hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:30am-5:00pm

Entry fee: INR 30 for adults; INR 10 for students

One of the best ethnographic museums in Goa, the Goa Chitra Museum is dedicated to Goa’s rich past. It houses a spectacular collection of 4,000 objects that reflect the Goan lifestyle and agrarian technology. In its collection are traditional farming tools from centuries ago, altarpieces, kitchen utensils, musical instruments, local pottery, palanquins and ancient carts, food staples of coastal western India and other artefacts. The Archaeological Survey of India has rated this museum “India’s Top Most Contemporary Museum”.

Operational hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-6:00pm

Entry fee: INR 300 (discounts for students and groups)

The Museum of Goa is a treat for contemporary art lovers. The three-story museum houses work from Indian and international artists and art enthusiasts, both modern and historical, including sculptures, paintings, photography, installations, and moving images that showcase Portuguese lifestyles fused with Goan culture. There is also an on-site organic cafe, auditorium, art store and studio for artists to use.

Operational hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm

Entry fee: INR 100 for Indians, INR 350 for foreigners and INR 50 for students & children below 18

Designed in the shape of a ship by well-known architect Gerald da Cunha, the House of Goa is a unique museum that depicts the rich and picturesque architectural past of Goa through construction detailing and antique furniture. It has three levels, each showcasing the influence of the Portuguese on the architecture of Goan homes. Architecture enthusiasts are in for a treat here.

Operational hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00am-7:30pm

Entry fee: INR 100 for adults and INR 25 for children

If you’re an aviation aficionado and you haven’t visited the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa, then you are surely missing out. This museum highlights the Indian Navy’s evolution over the decades through interesting exhibits. The museum has two parts — a two-story indoor gallery and an outdoor exhibit. It is the only one of its kind in all of Asia. Visitors can view classic helicopters, planes and aircraft engines up-close at the outdoor exhibit. In the indoor gallery there are numerous military weapons, navy uniforms, vintage photos, and documents chronicling naval and aviation history. The huge replicas of INS Viraat and INS Vikram are impressive and popular with visitors.

Operational hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm

Entry fee: INR 20

Life-size sculptures and statues portraying ancient Goan lifestyles, history and culture can be found in the Ancestral Goa Museum. The highlights of this open-air museum are gigantic laterite sculpture of Saint Mirabai, Goan handicrafts, a feni distillery and miniature Goan traditional houses.

Operational hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-6:00pm

Entry fee: INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children

Dedicated to science and astronomy, the Goa Science Center includes numerous hands-on interactive displays and activities suited to children of all ages. Visitors can look at the galaxies, moon and distant planets at the Taramandal Shows, and also view the night sky, sit in on a science demonstration lecture, see 3D film shows, play games and learn scientific concepts and principles.

Operational hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm

Entry fee: INR 15 for the science center; INR 25 for the planetarium; INR 20 for the 3D film

Time travel to the medieval period of Goa at the Archaeological Museum. It houses wooden sculptures, Persian and Arabian inscriptions, Portuguese weapons, Sati stones, ancient maps, bronze statues, ancient artefacts and more. This museum is engaging and riveting, so don’t miss this one.

Operational hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Friday closed

Entry fee: INR 10 for adults

Yes, Goa has its very own version of Madame Tussauds! The Wax World Museum in Goa features more than 30 gigantic statues of well-known Indian celebrities and historical figures. You will be amazed to see the fine detailing of the statues.

Operational hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30am-6:30pm

Entry fee: INR 30 for entry; INR 10 for camera

The Ashvek Vintage World is the first and only vintage car museum in Goa. It features an impressive collection of vintage cars, including many classics like the Volkswagen Beetle four-door limousine, 1939 Mercedes Benz 170, Chevrolet Fleet master, Austin 1928 and Peugeot 301, to name a few. Visitors can even take some of these classics out on a spin.

Operational hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am-1:00pm; 3:00pm-6:30pm

Entry fee: INR 100 for adults; INR 50 for children above 5 years