Goa Museums

(Goa, India)

It is easy to step back in time in a number of Goa's top cultural offerings, with the Archaeological Museum being especially notable and located in Old Goa, some 9 km / 6 miles from Panaji.

Within Panaji itself, Goa's capital city, the State Museum is amongst the best to be found here and is popular with history buffs and general tourists alike.

Families will enjoy the aircraft and plane memorabilia within the Naval Aviation Museum, while for others, the archaeological gems and antiques within the Museum of Goa Daman and Diu may be of interest.

The main museums in Goa are described below.

Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery

Address: Old Goa, Goa, India, IN
Established in the mid-1960s, the Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery lies within Old Goa. Home to a collection of many rare artefacts and large statues, the museum transports you back to the Goa of many years ago. With eight separate themed galleries showcasing Goa at its best, the main exhibits include ceramics, coins, stamps, bronze statues, wooden sculptures, ancient maps, Paleolithic tools, some archaeological finds dating back more than 2,000 years, and a selection of important portraits.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Archives Museum Goa / State Museum

Address: Patto Plaze, Panaji, Goa, India, IN
Located in Panaji, the Archives Museum Goa dominates the area and also often goes by the name of the State Museum. Inside you will discover a spacious interior, housing an eclectic collection of items of local significance, such as an intricate carved table once used during the famous Goa Inquisition, antique lottery machines, various historic art works of Hindu origin, photographs of Usgalimal's prehistoric rock carvings, and also some treasures saved from local smugglers.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

The Houses of Goa Museum

Address: Torda, Goa, India, IN
Located within the village of Torda, the Houses of Goa Museum is known for its striking architecture, which resembles a ship structure. Inside you will be able to enjoy information about the traditional architecture within Goa, along with a large collection of different building materials and a slide show at 19:00.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 19:30
Admission: charge

Museum of Goa Daman and Diu

Address: Panaji, Goa, India, IN
Located within the city of Panaji, the Museum of Goa is dedicated to both local archives and archaeology. The Museum of Goa Daman and Diu features a mixture of textiles, sculptures, antiquities, period furnishings, Hindu art works and even some detailed ivory carvings.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

The Naval Aviation Museum

Address: Dabolim, Vasco-Da-Gama, Goa, India, IN
Founded in 1998, the Naval Aviation Museum is dedicated to the history of Naval Aviation throughout India, being full of historic weaponry and no less than 12 different planes. Located some 6 km / 4 miles from the port of Vasco-da-Gama and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Naval Aviation Museum is especially close to Hollant Beach. Other highlights include historic photographs, many restored engines, and an interior painted to resemble an actual aircraft carrier.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge