Indo-Portuguese Museum

A small but fascinating museum displaying artifacts and other historical items that reflect the Portuguese influence in Kochi, the Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi, Kerala, is an informational repository housing exhibits dating back to the 16th-century collected from several different churches.

About the Museum

Situated in Kochi, Kerala, the Indo-Portuguese Museum is abode to a comprehensive collection of artifacts that have been gathered from distinct churches throughout the region and is housed inside the premises of the Bishop’s House. Conserving the rich heritage and culture of Indo-Portuguese culture, art, and architecture in Kerala, the museum owes its establishment to Dr. Joseph Kureethara, the former Bishop of Kochi.

The priceless collection at the museum depicts the Portuguese legacy and is divided into five sections – Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life, and Cathedral. The museum houses several sculptures and valuable metal objects on display such as carved artifacts, an ornate lock, and a sculpture of the Franciscan Coat of Arms, etc., are some of the objects that attract visitors to this place. The remains of the Fort Immanuel too are also put on display at the basement of the museum. Other exhibits on display comprise an old altar made of teak dating back to the 16th-century, a silver processional cross collected from Santa Cruz Basilica dating back to the 17th-century, and a chasuble from the 19th-century that was gathered from the Bishop’s House that illustrate a strong Portuguese influence in Kochi.

The exhibits in the museum are not very high in number but all of them are marked and labelled perfectly and assists the visitors to get a peek into the strong Portuguese effect on Kochi and its people.