Goa! As you hear the name of this beautiful destination, all you see is azure waters, beaches, beach shacks and water sports! However, Goa is so much more than just parties and the crazy nightlife. Goa represents one of the most important moments of history dating back to the colonial era. With this, each museum in Goa offers an enthralling dive into the world of vintage collection and history.
As you explore the Goan beaches, make sure to check iconic museums in Goa for an offbeat vacation. Also, book hotels in Goa well in advance to never miss a magical sight right from your room window.
Spend your day at the best museum in Goa-
1. Benz Celebrity Wax Museum
Isn’t it thrilling to stand beside the renowned celebrities and click pictures? Though they are statues, Benz Celebrity Wax Museum has to be on your list. If you are someone who adores art and creativity, the museum has everything for you! Right from the famous international personalities to significant faces, the artistry is top-notch in each statue.
Interestingly, the museum offers multiple combo offers which include 9D cinema and a car ride. With movie screening, you get an opportunity to understand the world of cinema in a deeper sense. Also, the museum has prominent sculptures of freedom fighters, world leaders and some famous politicians. It is indeed a joy to experience something unique other than the Goan beaches.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 250 Per Person Onwards
Location: Junction, Calangute – Arpora Road, near Arpora, Arpora, Goa 403516
2. San Thome Museum
Goa offers a fusion of different cultures hence, you can find a plethora of amazing museums depicting history and rich cultural background. San Thome Museum is all about going into the vintage feels and classic instruments. The museum is renowned for old-charm typewriters and lamps. It was established to display the evolution of technology and science. So, you get to spot various technical advancements starting from the 18th century.
This fantastic museum in Goa is a must visit to witness the evolution of print technology, calculus, timekeepers, radios, ships, cutlery and photography instruments. Technology buffs often visit the place to understand the interconnection of technology in movies and music. The exteriors of the museum depict a fresh vibe of Goa with white and yellow walls. Nothing better than exploring how artistry and innovation evolves with generations.
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Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 200 Per Person
Location: Dabolim – Cavelossim Rd, Chadwado, Varca, Goa 403721
3. Houses of Goa Museum
While museums are interesting as they display an electrifying collection of artefacts, the Houses of Goa Museum is indeed a stunning mention here. There are various museums for ships but here, it’s a museum inside a ship! The ship-shaped museum in Goa attracts hundreds of visitors to learn about the Goan culture and history. With architectural wonder, the museum has a remarkable collection of elements dating back to the colonial period.
You can literally spot home decor items and furniture that give old-world vibes. You can witness the aroma of old papers and contemporary arts of an old-fangled Goa. That’s exactly the atmosphere here! Houses of Goa Museum also has ceramic tiles, window frames and photographs. Make sure to capture memories with the colonial setting as the background.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 Per Person
Location: House No. 674, Near Nisha’s Play School,Torda ,Salvador do Mundo, Penha de França, Goa 403101
4. Goa State Museum
If you are looking for authenticity of art, Goa State Museum has to be on your list. This magnificent museum in Goa is also known as the state archaeology museum. Located in Panaji, the museum is home to various artefacts in the category of ancient history and archaeology. You can also find stunning displays to understand geology. When in Goa, the museum is just the right place to understand cultural traditions of the destination.
Goa State Museum is one of the finest museums in Goa to centralise your attention to the best preserved antiques. You can find ancient furnishings dating back to colonial times. Interestingly, the museum also contributes in the domain of cultural anthropology and Christian Art. Dive into the world of sculptures, natural heritage and contemporary art at the museum.
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Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Adil Shah Palace, Avenida Dom João de Castro, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa 403521
5. Big Foot Museum
Presenting one of the best museums to witness rural Goan life like never before! The Big Foot museum is purely dedicated to display the charm of ancient Goa. Also known as the Ancestral Goa Museum, it has various sculptures depicting the struggling rural life. You can also find a plethora of spots for photography.
The entrance of the museum has a village themed gate with a welcoming statue. Moreover, you can buy authentic goan artefacts at the handicraft centre. After all, who can ever deny souvenirs from Goa? The museum also has a restaurant, dance floor and a light museum. The village theme gives access to fresh air and greenery here.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 50 Per Person (Adults) | INR 25 Per Person (Children)
Location: Cross Museum, Main Road, Salcete District, Loutolim, Goa 403718
Experience a combination of pride and heritage at this museum in Goa. One of the only two military museums in India, this museum was established in 1998. Exhibits in this museum depict the evolution of the Indian Naval Air. The museum consists of a two-story interior gallery and an outdoor exhibit. The museum’s interior resembles the interior of a naval aircraft carrier, the INS Viraat.
You can witness a number of intriguing galleries that showcase naval equipment, famous battles and a simulation room. The main attraction of the museum is the granite plaque honouring the brave men and women who gave their lives in defence of their country. As you step in the museum, your heart gets filled with the rich contribution of Naval Air towards a new India.
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Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 Per Person
Location: Bogmalo Road, Vasco da Gama, Goa 403806
7. Museum of Goa
Art is everywhere and it only needs the right person to identify it! That’s how the display of contemporary art in this museum of Goa is going to astonish you. The museum of Goa is more like an art gallery to view different forms of art in a classic style. It has a spellbinding collection of paintings, artefacts and home decor.
As you step inside the museum, you can find innovative photography spots inspired by art. Terracotta sculptures of roosters present the real Goan vibe here. Interestingly, it has various installations made with pebbles, mussel shells and palm leaves. Laterite sine and iron nuts are also used to create gigantic sculptures at the museum.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 200 Per Person (Adults) | INR 100 Per Person (Children)
Location: 79, Industrial Estate, Pilerne, Goa 403511
8. Goa Science Centre
When in Goa, you cannot miss the amazing Goa Science Centre that represents an amalgamation of science and astronomy like never before. Goa Science Centre is popular for various science exhibits that explain different concepts of chemistry and physics. Moreover, this museum in Goa is known for the giant exhibit of dinosaurs thereby creating an urge to explore its existence.
Additionally, the museum offers knowledge of planetary moments and space through a planetarium inside it. If you are someone who loves to know what lies beyond the Earth, you must buy tickets for the 3D show here. Through the usage of multimedia and technology, you get an opportunity to actively engage in seminars, lectures and exhibitions.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 Per Person
Location: Marine Highway, Miramar, Panaji, Goa 403001
9. Museum of Christian Art
Goa is surely highlighted by the fusion of cultures and religions here. This museum in Goa is purely dedicated to understanding the art and creativity of Indians and Europeans. With an Indo-Portuguese touch, Museum of Christian Art is home to multiple travel and art objects from international locations. Interestingly, you can also attend seminars, workshops and exhibitions to keep filling the bucket of knowledge.
As the museum is located on the holy hill, travellers are welcome to enjoy a hill tour as well. You can find a plethora of jewellery, metal work, paintings and furniture depicting the artistic intricacy of ancient times. This museum in Goa instils a sense of pride with stunning craftsmanship inspired by syncretic culture.
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Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 100 Per Person Onwards
Location: Monte Santo (Holy Hill, next to St. Augustine Tower, Goa Velha, Goa 403402
10. Goa Chitra Museum
Have you ever thought of a museum in Goa purely dedicated to ethnography? Well, Goa Chitra Museum is all that you need to know about Goan lifestyle, customs, patterns and age old beliefs. Goa Chitra Museum offers a stunning combination of windows, railings and pillars of demolished houses. It also has certain crockery and furnishings displaying an authentic work of art.
Moreover, the museum also contributes towards the sector of farming through farming equipment, irrigation tools and crop protection implements. You can also find various tools used by cobblers, tailors and carpenters of the bygone era. The interiors promise an old-style aroma constantly merging with the unbeatable beauty of precious exhibits here. You have to be here to enjoy the warm surroundings and tranquillity of ancient vibes.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 300 Per Person
Location: H.No. 498, Near Auxilium High School, Benaulim, Goa 403716
The best museums in Goa await the hodophile in you to visit and dive into its creation. With a fusion of old-styles and historic artefacts, it is just the right time to dive into an unknown Goa!