Indo Portuguese Museum, Kochi | Timings, Entry Fee

Indo Portuguese Museum, Kochi Overview

Situated in Fort Kochi in Kerala, the Indo-Portuguese museum has a fascinating collection of artefacts that belong to different churches. The museum highlights the fascinating Indo-Portuguese culture that is reckoned for its rich heritage. Having a captivating display of art and architecture of Kerala, the museum is a significant attraction for tourists.

The museum is located amidst the gardens of the Bishop's house and elegantly echoes the heritage of one of the first Catholic community in India. The place is adorned with vestments, silver processional crosses and altarpieces of the Cochin diocese. The whole museum is divided into five main sections namely, Altar, Procession, Treasure, Civil Life, and Cathedral. The names of the sections agree with the outstanding collection they display. At the basement of this museum is situated Fort Emmanuel, providing an enchanting spectacle.

The museum aims to acquaint the visitors with the pristine artistic and cultural legacy of Indo-Portuguese culture. A site of mesmerizing artifacts belonging to different genres, the Indo-Portuguese museum is a cynosure for all those who want to taste the rich flavor of our country's heritage.

1. Features of the Musem

The museum is a repository of artifacts that underline the country's rich heritage. It has a beautiful collection that is presented in five main sections. The museum is an abode to rich altarpieces, e (Read More)xemplary treasures, and antique statues that reflect upon the Indo-Portuguese influx.

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History Of The Museum

The establishment of the Indo-Portuguese museum was an endeavor by the former Bishop late Dr. Joseph Kureethra. The Portuguese invasion in Kerala in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century in Kerala had left a lasting mark on the state's culture, architecture as well as its history. Known as the Fort Emmanuel by Portuguese, the building was left neglected amidst the mushrooming modernity but was restored later. The museum thus evokes the colonial past of Kerala and accentuates on the influences on Fort Kochi. It also underlines the Portuguese influence on the surrounding western areas through an array of gorgeous artifacts.

Why Visit The Museum?

The Indo-Portuguese Museum is a perfect spot for those who want to apprise themselves with the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. With a display of formidable artifacts and mind-blowing pieces, the museum is a treat to the eyes. The visit to this museum would thus be a perfect blend of enjoyment and education, fostering deep understanding and enlightenment of the Portuguese influence, thus culminating one's whole experience into a reminiscing one.

Features of the Museum

The museum showcases enthralling collection belonging to different periods. Amongst these are:

An altar made of teak from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen (16th century)
A processional cross from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi which is made of both silver and wood (17th century)
An Indo-Portuguese Monstrance from The Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen (18-19th century).
A chasuble from Bishop's House, Fort Kochi (19th century)

One can also tread on a short walk from the Rose street to the Bishop's garden to cherish the whole experience.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has also contributed a plethora of artifacts like precious metal objects, sculptures, and vestments from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese, thus adding more vibrance to the collection.