Echoes of History

Explore the rich heritage of Goa, a treasure trove of over 4000 artefacts.

- Bindu Saxena

This WhatsApp message from a group prompted me to come here. It was a ten-minute drive from our resort in Benaulim, South Goa. We were there before noon. Ms Fila, at a tiny reception window with a 1000-watt smile, greeted me and my family. We obtained tickets. It was Rs.300 for adults and half a ticket for a child between 5-12 years. A child below 5 earns a free trip because s/he would do nothing except hop, skip, and jump at such a site.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm.

It was quiet and rather too heavy with silence. We saw Mr. Aphonso, the guide, appear from nowhere. He introduced himself and was with us for the next 2 hours!

Right after entering the first room, we felt exported centuries back!

Goa Chitra Museum: What is it? 

It is a private collection of Mr Victor Hugo Gomes.

This flagship ethnographic museum opened in 2009 with a small setup and now houses more than 4000 artefacts spread across 1,17,000 sq. metres. It depicts the Goan culture and tradition and showcases enviable artefacts and collections from the Portuguese era, about 400 years ago. The collection reflected their lifestyle and gave knowledge about Goan history from transportation to different household items used then.

How Did It Start?

Victor has been passionate about collecting rare vintage or discarded artefacts since childhood. He would visit relatives and friends and pick up what they would otherwise trash. This museum is a tribute to his ancestors and their way of living.

It houses his 30-plus years of collectibles and heirlooms and has amassed a collection of Goan and Indian antiquities.

It has three sections with varying sizes and shapes of rooms and open spaces with intricate displays of trinkets and artefacts tucked in neatly.