Situated at the magnificent Fort Kochi in Kerala, the Indo Portuguese Museum is one of the most looked upon museums in the city of Kochi. It is an example of the influence Portuguese had in the field of architecture and art. It depicts the legends of the period when Portuguese used to be the most influential bunch around in Kochi.
I was not sure what I will find when I entered the premises but I was sure it would be a journey to learn a lot about the Indo-Portuguese culture. Built by the Bishop of Kochi late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, this museum houses prominent Indo Portuguese legacy in the form of artistic things. I could actually feel myself close to the inheritance of the times these artifacts and exhibitions belonged to. I was told there by a person staring at a painting that this museum was the first museum in Kerala to specially host artifacts and scriptures that had a theological importance. There are five sections in which the museum is divided based on the nature of the items displayed. These divisions were named Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral.
Every projection was an example of the similarities Indian and the Portuguese culture shared. The impeccable work of art in the exquisite collections showcased almost blew my mind away. I had never seen such exotic display of art. The collections included a piece of altar made up of teak wood presumed to be from the church of Lady Of Hope, a chasuble from the House of Bishop. The museum entry is free on 1st Thursday of every month so I was sort of lucky to land on the same day. It is only open till 5 PM and as much as I wished to stay a little longer, I had to leave the building as soon as the clock hand hit 5. The Indo Portuguese Museum is surely a must visit for anyone who takes interest in the Portuguese culture and the influence it has in the field of art and architecture. Apparently I plan to take my love for history a step higher by paying a visit to the grand Pallipuram Fort Kochi.