Houses of Goa Museum - A Journey Through Goan Architecture

Goa, GoaMUSEUMMuseums

A unique ship-shaped museum showcasing the history and evolution of Goan architecture through models, photos, and salvaged building elements.

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MUSEUM

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Museums

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1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

The Houses of Goa Museum is a distinctive institution dedicated to the architectural history of Goa. Designed by architect Gerard da Cunha, the building itself is a major attraction, shaped like a narrow, three-storied ship navigating a traffic island. Inside, the museum is spread across these compact floors, connected by a winding central staircase. Visitors journey through the evolution of Goan houses, from ancient settlements to the Indo-Portuguese mansions that define the region's landscape. The exhibits consist of detailed architectural drawings, scale models, photographs, and a collection of salvaged building components like ornate doors, window frames, tiles, and railings. The top floor offers a good view of the surrounding area. The atmosphere is quiet and academic, providing a focused look into a specific aspect of Goan culture that goes beyond its popular beaches and nightlife. It's a small museum, so the experience is quite intimate and informative, especially for those interested in design and history.

Contact Information

Phone: +91-832-2410711

Why This Place is Special

• Its unique ship-like architectural design
• Exhibits on the evolution of Goan-Portuguese houses
• Collection of salvaged architectural elements like doors, windows, and tiles
• Detailed scale models of traditional Goan homes
• The spiral staircase connecting the three floors
• Curated by renowned architect Gerard da Cunha
• A niche focus on Goan cultural and architectural heritage

Ideal For

Architecture enthusiastsHistory enthusiastsArt loversSolo travelersCouplesPhotographersStudents

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Seating areas
• Information center
• Souvenir shops

Visitor Tips

• Visit in the late afternoon when the light is good and the day is cooler.
• Weekdays are the quietest, allowing for a more relaxed viewing of the exhibits.
• Carry a notebook if you're an architecture or design student; there's a lot to learn.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be climbing a few flights of stairs.
• Combine your visit with the Mario Miranda Gallery, which is just a short walk away.
• The interior lighting can be a bit low, so adjust your camera settings accordingly for photos.
• Don't rush through the exhibits; read the descriptions to understand the context.
• Talk to the museum staff; they are often knowledgeable and can share extra details.

Rules & Restrictions

• Do not touch the exhibits
• No food or drinks allowed inside
• Maintain a low voice level
• Large bags and backpacks may need to be left at the reception

Safety Information

• The roads leading to the museum can be narrow, so drive or ride carefully.
• Be cautious on the spiral staircase inside the museum, especially with children.
• Goa can be hot and humid; carry a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• If riding a two-wheeler, always wear a helmet for your safety.
• The area is quiet and residential; it's safe but advisable to visit during daylight hours.
• Keep your personal belongings secure while exploring the museum.

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Location & Address

House No. 674, Torda, Salvador do Mundo, Bardez, Torda, Salvador do Mundo, Goa, Goa, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from November to February when Goa's weather is cool and pleasant. This makes it comfortable to explore the museum and the surrounding area. The monsoon season, from June to September, sees heavy rainfall which can disrupt travel. The summer months from March to May can be very hot and humid, making outdoor travel less pleasant. Visiting during the shoulder seasons like October or March can mean fewer tourists.
Peak Crowd: December to January, especially during Christmas, New Year's, and long weekends.
Moderate Crowd: October, November, February, and March on weekdays.
Low Crowd: April to September, covering the hot summer and monsoon seasons.

How to Reach

Air

Goa International Airport (GOI) in Dabolim is approximately 30 km away (60-75 minutes by taxi). The new Manohar International Airport (GOX) in Mopa is about 32 km away (60-75 minutes by taxi).

Train

The closest major railway stations are Karmali (KRM) at 15 km and Thivim (THVM) at 18 km. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for hire from both stations.

Road

The museum is easily accessible by road from Panjim (9 km) and major North Goa towns. It's located just off the main road in the Salvador do Mundo area, making it easy to find with GPS.

Local Transport

Renting a scooter or a car is the most popular way to get around Goa. Local taxis and app-based services like Goa Miles are readily available. Auto-rickshaws can be found in nearby towns but may be less frequent in this specific area.