Indo-Portuguese
Museum
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.
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.
|
