Indo-Portuguese Museum, Kochi

The Indo-Portuguese Museum is a famous museum located in Fort Kochi, Kerala. Here's a brief history, profile, and attractions of the Indo-Portuguese Museum.

History:
The Indo-Portuguese Museum was established in 1910 as a part of the Bishop's House in Fort Kochi. It was set up to showcase the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Portuguese in India, and to celebrate the long and rich history of trade and cultural exchange between India and Portugal.

Profile:
The Indo-Portuguese Museum is housed in a beautiful colonial-style building that dates back to the 16th century. The museum is divided into five sections, each of which highlights a different aspect of the Portuguese influence on Indian culture and history.

The first section of the museum features a collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that showcase the Portuguese influence on the Indian art scene. The second section showcases the Portuguese influence on the Indian religious and cultural practices, including the Christianization of Goa and other parts of India.

The third section of the museum features a collection of rare and unique artifacts, including coins, pottery, and other objects that highlight the rich cultural exchange between India and Portugal. The fourth section showcases the history of the Portuguese presence in India, including the establishment of trading posts and other important historical events.

The fifth section of the museum features a collection of antique furniture, including chairs, tables, and other items that reflect the colonial style of the Portuguese period in India.

Attractions:
One of the main attractions of the Indo-Portuguese Museum is the impressive collection of artifacts, sculptures, and other objects that showcase the Portuguese influence on Indian culture and history. Visitors can also see a variety of paintings and photographs that provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.

Another highlight of the museum is the collection of rare and unique artifacts, including coins, pottery, and other objects that highlight the rich cultural exchange between India and Portugal. Visitors can also see a variety of antique furniture, including chairs, tables, and other items that reflect the colonial style of the Portuguese period in India.

The Indo-Portuguese Museum is located in Fort Kochi and is easily accessible by public transport. It is open to visitors every day except Mondays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Overall, the Indo-Portuguese Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Portuguese in India. With its impressive collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and other objects, the museum offers a unique and fascinating insight into the history and culture of the region.

The museum was established by the efforts of the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi.

The Bishop of Kochi Diocese, in a bid to protect and showcase the rich cultural heritage and foreign established this museum.

This museum now showcases the Portuguese influences on Fort Kochi and the surrounding areas, especially, the Western Parts of Kochi.

The museum has five main sections viz., Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral.

Among the pirces on display are a piece of the altar made in teak wood from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, a chasuble from Bishop's House, Fort Kochi, Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance, from The Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has also contributed to the collection at the Indo-Portuguese Museum and has to its credit sculptures, precious metal objects and vestments, among others from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese.

Web : http://www.keralatravel.com/museums-kerala/indo-portuguese-museum-kerala.html