The museum building was once a convent attached to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, constructed in 1661.
The collection includes a massive bronze statue of Luis de Camoes, a famous Portuguese poet, previously displayed in Panaji.
The site contains rare hero stones (viragal) and sati stones recovered from various locations across Goa.
The museum houses a dedicated gallery for wooden sculptures that showcase a blend of Indian and European artistic styles.
Many of the items on display were unearthed during excavation campaigns at the nearby ruins of the St. Augustine Tower.
The museum preserves coins minted by the Bahmani Sultanate, providing evidence of pre-Portuguese trade influences.
The interior layout preserves the original architectural features of the colonial-era monastic cells.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site in Old Goa houses the Archaeological Museum, located within the former Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. This facility serves as the primary repository for artifacts spanning Goa's prehistoric, medieval, and colonial history. The collection features stone sculptures from the Kadamba period, Portuguese-era portraits, and ancient inscriptions. It occupies the convent portion of the complex, which dates back to the early 17th century. The museum showcases artifacts recovered from the surrounding Old Goa UNESCO World Heritage sites. It functions as both a preservation center and a public research facility for regional history.
The internal courtyard of the convent, which offers a view of the garden framed by colonial-era archways.
Combine your visit with a walk through the neighboring Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral.
Bring a water bottle as the Old Goa site is spread out and can involve significant walking.
Look for the museum's collection of Persian and Arabic inscriptions near the entrance gallery.
Do not attempt to touch the stone artifacts or carvings, as these are fragile and protected by conservation protocols.
Closed on Fridays.
Maintain silence as it is a heritage site; dress modestly covering shoulders and knees out of respect for the adjacent religious sites.
