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As one of India’s most popular tourist destinations the colonial capital of Goa is also home to some of the finest museums and galleries in the country. A welcome distraction for most tourists who spend a better half of their holiday lazing on white, sandy beaches, the engaging and unique museums in the coastal hamlet caters to all tastes and preferences when it comes to historic relics and artistic expression. With an illustrious past that dates back centuries the full gamut of Goa’s colourful history is ensconced within these venues that attract tourists by the hundreds to experience and understand a piece of the Goan story. The Institute Menezes Braganza is no different as this historic museum cum art gallery showcases literary and artistic masterpieces that date back to the era when the Portuguese ruled over India. Having opened its doors to the public back in 1871 the Institute Menezes Braganza was once called the Institute Vasco da Gama before it was rechristened with its current name. Renamed after the famed freedom fighter Menezes Braganza the establishment has become a meeting point for intellectual and artists in Goan society in recent years. Enchanting at first glance the institute’s entrance hall itself is a true work of art. Elaborately decorated and embellished the entrance hall was the brainchild of famed designer Jorge Calaco. Visitors will also notice that the mythological tale of the Portuguese invasion of Goa is depicted in hand painted blue and white tiles in this hall. Housing an impressive anthology of 250 original works the institute’s main collection consists of sculptures, oil paintings and prints of 19th century Portuguese and European maestros. Highlights include works by Mattis Broque, Henry Russo, Groze, Pissaro, Reonar and the great Cezanne. Paintings by well-known Indian masters the likes of Prafull Dahanukar, Raza, Laxman Pai, Souza and M. F Hussain are also displayed within the venue in which the centrepiece is undoubtedly the "Inquisition table" which hosted the council’s inquisition proceedings in centuries past. Ancient coins and stamps are also part of the institute’s collection while one of the oldest libraries in the country is also found within the premises. Founded in 1832 the Central Library of the Institute contains come of the rarest and oldest volumes in India. Travellers in search of elegant Benaulim hotels will be more than pleased with the stylish rest that is The Retreat by Zuri Goa. Ideally located within tropical landscapes laden with sandy beaches this Carlson President’s award winning hotel is undoubtedly the finest luxury resort in Goa.
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