Indo Portuguese Museum

Indo Portuguese Museum

The cultural synthesis between Indians and Portuguese traders who set foot in Kerala as early as sixteenth century proliferated a whole range of artworks. The artistic sensibility of both Indians and Portuguese was deeply influenced by the aesthetic lineage of the other culture. Even after centuries this Indo-Portuguese Christian Art heritage is still surviving and that is why it is important to preserve this rich heritage for posterity.A tour to Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kerala will enlighten you about the cultural relics of this region.The Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kerala, is located near the Parade Ground of Kochi Fort.

Thanks to the sheer determination and painstaking effort of its founder, the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi, this museum is now a major center to perceive the art and craft of Kerala. The museum plays a vital role to preserve and exhibit an invaluable collection of artifacts like statues and coins left back by the Portuguese.

For convenience the Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kerala has five sections allotted for different display items depending on their categories. These categories are Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. Some of its precious artistic marvels include a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, a chasuble (19th century) from Bishop's House, Fort Kochi, Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century) from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century), from Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen. The Coat of Arms of the Franciscans is another interesting object worth mentioning.

Address of Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kerala
Bishop's House
Fort Kochi
Kerala- 682001
Tel: 91-484-215400 / 215401

Useful Information:
Visiting Hours: From10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed on Mondays and all Public Holidays.
Entry is free on 1st Thursday of every month.

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