Small joys for a big life

Goa Chitra Museum set in the quaint village of Benaulim is not just an art centre. It is a prolific display of regular Goan household items, ancient relics, agricultural tools and even old modes of transport like carriages. As you stroll through the halls, the collection looks like an homage that the founder, Victor Gomes has laid out for the ancestors whose wisdom and common sense helped them live stronger, more fuller lives. The museum's collection not only highlights the ingenuity of Goan craftsmanship but also underlines the intimate connection between humans and the land.

As the need for these everyday wares started to diminish, people replaced them with shinier, more convenient items. Hurt by the abandonment, Victor collected, recycled these old items and infused them with a new life, and displayed them as works of art.

But stories and lessons aside, you will find joy in unearthing exquisite artefacts, each a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness passed down through generations. You can even immerse yourself in the interactive exhibits and guided tours, and delve deeper to value Goa's rural heritage and traditional knowledge in a rapidly changing world.

Live yesterday once more

As you step into the museum's sanctum, you will feel the golden olden days whisper from every corner. What began with a modest collection of 200 treasures has blossomed into a tapestry of 4000 artefacts, each bearing witness to the passage of ages. Among the relics are echoes of bygone eras – discarded wood, weathered doors, and ancient pillars stand as silent sentinels of a forgotten world. Tools of tillage and harvest, once wielded by hands, now rest in reverent display. Wander through halls where agricultural wonders share space with storied remnants of transportation, from majestic carts to elegant carriages. Amidst grain measures and scales, the museum's heart beats with the rhythm of generations, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human endeavour.

The designer has collected each item from 300 houses that were razed to the ground over time. As you move leisurely from one art piece to another you can breeze through abundant information that has been assimilated by talking and spending time with village elders.

The artist behind the art

The person behind the idea is Victor Hugo Gomes. Victor was aware of the changes of time that reflected in his own home. Grand wood objects were being replaced by metals and then plastics. The traditional kerosene lamps and the cow dung red oxide floors were being replaced by mosaics and tiles. As a child, he would collect these discarded objects and gaze at their beauty for hours, wondering if their time was over or if they were eligible for a rebirth. After years, he moved to Lucknow as a painter. It is here that he learned about the intricate art of repurposing age-old objects. He gathered all the knowledge and learning, stacked and stored it in a little place in his heart, came back to Goa, and after much struggle, set up the museum.

Timings

Opening time - 09:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

Where there’s love, there’s a way

The museum was never built to accrue commercial gains. The musuem is entry-free for tourists, research scholars, historians, or even environmentalists. The place invites patrons to study and research the traditional and pure form of living. The museum is also a congregation place for artists to convene, share ideas, and showcase their talent. The objective of the place remains unwavering i.e. to create awareness about the simplistic Goan way of life.

Leaving the simple behind

Goa Chitra Museum is located in South Goa. The beaches are calmer, more pristine, and more poetic. You can enjoy the gorgeous sun and sand play at either Colva, Sernabatim, Varca, or Benaulim beaches. You can walk up to the famous hill Fort Cabo De Rama. The place has a fort, a pebbled beach, a pristine sandy beach, and a restaurant that serves authentic Goan cuisine. After a walk you may build up an appetite so indulge in a filling fish thali made the real Goan way. There are a few religious places too that you can visit if you wish to satiate your spiritual soul. Shri Kamakshi Temple, St.John’s The Baptist Church, Shri Mahalasa Narayani Devalaya, and Shree Ramnath Devsthan are some of the places you can build into your itinerary.

As you step into the Chitra Museum, you embark on a journey through time, where each artefact whispers tales of cultural richness, artistic mastery, and the enduring spirit of human creativity.