Museum Of Goa — Attraction in Goa

A Monsoon Afternoon at the Museum of Goa – A Must-Visit Hidden Gem!

Tucked away in the lush green heart of Pilerne, overlooking a forest that comes alive in the monsoon, the Museum of Goa (MOG) is not just a space—it’s a soulful experience.

From the moment I stepped in, the museum felt different. It wasn’t intimidating like some contemporary art spaces can be. Instead, it felt welcoming—even to someone who may not "understand art" in the traditional sense. The exhibits speak in many languages—photographs, installations, paintings—but more importantly, they speak to everyone. What stood out was how beautifully the artworks tell the stories of Goa and its people—beyond beaches and nightlife, revealing layers of culture, history, humour, and resistance.

The property itself is stunning—sleek, modern interiors nestled within a wild green backdrop. The art studio in the backyard, dotted with outdoor installations, felt like a sanctuary. I found myself pausing often, breathing deeper, even putting my phone away—a rare and wonderful feeling.

The café deserves a review of its own. Fresh, hot, and surprisingly affordable food and drinks served with warm smiles by the friendly staff. Don’t miss the jamun juice—seasonal, tangy, and refreshing. There’s also a charming curio shop filled with local knick-knacks, books, postcards, clothes, jewellery, and linens—perfect for thoughtful souvenirs or a little self-indulgence.

The highlight of my visit? Meeting Sharada, the dynamic young COO and Curator, who carries forward the legacy of her grandfather and father with grace and vision. It was inspiring to see her connect with visitors and breathe new life into this evolving space.

The Museum of Goa isn’t just for art lovers—it’s for story seekers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a more meaningful encounter with Goa. Go for the monsoon magic, stay for the art, and leave with a full heart.

A heartfelt recommendation: Don’t miss this...

Visited the Museum of Goa in October 2023 and it has a lot of abstract art on display. The entry fee for an Indian adult is Rs 300 per head. It's free entry for students and those below the age of 18. I felt the entry ticket was on the expensive side, but since this is a privately run Museum, the charge made sense. The building is excellently maintained and artworks are spread over three floors, with a lift access too. There's also a small air-conditioned theater where they play a 15 minute documentary about the founder.

The reason I am rating it 3 on 5 stars is because almost 80% of the art on display was by the founder of the place Subodh Kerkar. Even the 15 minute documentary was just Subodh Kerkar going on and on about his art. There's no doubt that some of Mr Kerkar's art projects are quite interesting and give a unique perspective to Goan life. For example, there's a small display of decorated chillies in the third floor, which symbolise how Portuguese traders introduced chili peppers to India via Goa. I would've however loved to see more art by other artists too and couldn't help but feel that Museum of Goa was a vanity project by the founder. There's enough space in the museum for more diverse works to be displayed. Regardless, it's worth a one time visit if you are in the area and are an art enthusiast. There's also a very pretty garden on the outside with a cafe.

In-fact, the food & drinks were surprisingly reasonably priced. They had cold coffee for Rs 100 and masala tea for Rs 30 & regular...

Accompanied a friend with kids for a unique workshop. The whole ambience and layout is very impressive, showcasing a lot of contemporary art and traditional folk art. There's a studio where lots of workshops to bring out the budding artists in kids are conducted. For those who'd like to buy some nice handcrafted souvenirs or knick-knacks or even cotton outfits and linen, there's 2 stores in-house to cater to you. And the winner of course for a foodie like me - Museum of Goa restaurant 😄 So it's on the outside, simple decor around a little garden and an in-rooted tree trunk. Gives you the nice chill vibes on a lazy weekend afternoon. The menu is decent and not too elaborate. Focus on wholesome nutrition and authentic flavors be it grilled sandwiches or Vada pav or pankis or ghavanes or dosaa. You can even try the must have Goan Ross Omelette. I have to definitely vouch for the Vada Pav!! In Marathi I'll say "ekdum mast ani zanzannit"! It has the right garlic chutney and green chutney spread and the most genuine potato filling with a tadka that I've ever had so far in Goa. Team your meals with kokum juice or filter coffee or iced coffees and shakes or your favourite masala chai. Oh and get ready for an adopted stray called Hero to win your heart if you're fond of doggies - he'll do anything for scraps off your table but mind you, he's very selective - cheese is his favourite 😄 Not the ideal location in mainstream North Goa however a must visit for both art & museum affiondos...