The Indo-Portuguese Museum situated in Fort
Kochi throws light on the strong Portuguese influence in both the art and the
architecture of the region.
The museum today is an important center to understand the Indo-Portuguese Christian
Art heritage, which is still surviving. The museum is the outcome of the untiring
efforts of the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi. Driven by sheer commitment
to protect the rich heritage of his Diocese, the bishop established the Indo-Portuguese
Museum to preserve some of the invaluable collections for posterity.
The museum is divided into five main sections, according to the nature of items
displayed in each section. They are viz. Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil
Life and Cathedral.
The museum currently houses some outstanding collections, well known for its
artistic and architectural marvel, which bear the mark of strong Portuguese
influence. Some of these 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. Among
the displayed items, the Coat of Arms of the Franciscans needs special mentioning.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has also contributed to the rich 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.
The Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi is indeed one of those symbols in the annals
of Kochi, bearing the rich heritage of Indo-Portuguese culture and artistic
influence.
Address:
Bishop's House
Fort Kochi
Kerala- 682001
Tel: 91-484-215400 / 215401
Working Hours: 10 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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