F or all the Goa fanatics, we know that there are some incredibly beautiful and massive Portuguese era houses in and around Goa. Sure, we are not aware of all of them, barring a few which tourists flock to. But what if there is a museum which gives you an insight into these splendid houses and the whereabouts of all these? What if the house itself appears a museum, while being a museum for all other colonial Goan houses?
Yes, there is exactly a museum of houses designed and conceptualized by Goan architect Mr. Gerard D Cunha, showcasing Goa’s rich cultural and architectural history.
In the quaint little village of Salvador-do-Mundo, Porvorim, nearly 7 kms from Panaji, driving down the narrow and winding roads there are few houses that stand out, quite literally. A boat shaped house is built entirely of laterite stones with creepers hugging the house like roots to the soil.
After buying tickets at Rs. 100 per head, we are led through a spiral staircase onto the 1st floor. Almost immediately, you are hit with a nostalgic peek into the history of the houses. There are plenty of photographic images, which gives you an idea of the sheer size of these houses. The time encapsulated essence is magnificently captured and enhanced by Mario Mirandas thrilling sketches on display. You could be forgiven to be inside these houses amongst the families. There are miniature sculptures of a few houses. Some prominent houses on displays are the Seven Gabled house, the Fernandes house, the Kanekars house to name a few. Your eyes are treated to a feast of these.
Continuing up the spiral staircase onto 2nd floor, you are introduced to an exhibition of what goes into making these houses. Right from the laterite stone quarries to the wooden columns, the traditional archaic windows, the massive wooden doors, railings, arch-typical ceramic tiles culminate majestically with a peek into the articulated, hand crafted wooden furniture’s.
Winding up the top most floor, you come face to face with the pictorial displays of the massive houses all at one place. Throw in the various Tulsi Vrindavan presentation and illustrating the spacious Balcoas, you realize the roots of cultural harmony amongst Goans are deeply embedded and bonded marvelously. It perfectly summarizes the cultural dynamics of the beautiful Goan homes, showcasing the bygone era when the Portuguese architecture became an integral part of the Goan lifestyle.
Just when you think the house tour is complete, right across the road, you are led to the incredible and brilliant Maria Miranda art gallery. As soon as you enter the gallery, there is only one word that escapes you..WOW. The gallery is a simmering reminder of the effervescence of the famous Goan artist depicting the day-to-day life in all its humor. One is spoilt for choice on the collectibles. In the frames, posters, key chains, bags, wall hangings, plates, books and numerous miniatures, the dilemma to choose keeps you engaged. The mesmerizing artifacts are a sumptuous meal for the eyes.
So, go on and enjoy this marvelous display of Goan houses and the Mario Miranda special object d’art and you will promise yourself to recommend the place to your friends and colleagues.
