Indo-Portuguese Museum, Fort Kochi

The Portuguese left an indelible mark on our history and culture. The Indo-Portuguese Museum situated in Fort Kochi tries to encapsulate this bond. Their influence on the art and architecture of the region is on full display here. The constant efforts of late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi, played an integral role in its formation so that future generations could understand the Indo-Portuguese Christian Art heritage.

The museum is divided into five main sections – Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. One can see 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 The Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation contributed sculptures, precious metal objects, and vestments, among others from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese. All these and much more chronicle the important relationship shared by our respective cultures.