Goa Chitra Museum
Goa’s first and only ethnographic museum Treasure from the past, for the future Goa Chitra is a tribute by its founder to his ancestors and their way of life based on age-old wisdom passed down through generations.It is a unique collection and display of original farming implements and other ancient tools of trade,set against the backdrop of a traditional organic farm.Originally a collection of about 200 items stored in the founder’s home, the museum’s display now comprises more than 4,000 objects.This collection of artifacts represents the universality of the culture of ancient Goa.Each artefact is supplemented by information that was collected in situ by interviewing community elders and through the study of its application in daily life.The structure of the museum blends modern technologies with traditional materials and elements such as wood, stone, doors, windows, pillars and railings that were salvaged by the designer from more than 300 traditional houses that were being demolished.The concept of the museum’s construction is in keeping with the philosophy that resources in today s world should not be wasted.Goa Chitra aims to revive age-old traditions through the museum display and outreach programs, thus allowing the younger generation to share the wisdom of the past that would otherwise be irretrievably lost. We hope this will also create an awareness of nature and its influence on and benefits to human life.Right through the year, Goa Chitra organizes workshops and events related to museology, anthropology, ethnography, archeology, art, history and culture.Goa chitra is divided into different zones like the reception, office and parking area, “Goa Chitra” art gallery showcasing works of artists and artisans,“Roots” organic farm demonstrating and showcasing various crops and composting methods, “Goa Chitra” Museum sheltering the ethnographical museum, the core of which is the collection of implements that were used in the pre-electricity era in Goa.The museum is designed with a 16 ft high oil-grinding implement as its focal point.The building then curves around a water body that is used for irrigating the organic farm.“Tulsi” recreational area is designed at 2 levels with indoor and outdoor seating and has an open kitchen and a juice counter.The building has exposed masonry and oyster shell windows, and houses an audio visual room, library and other utility areas like the store room, toilets, etc. Performance area is an e x t e n s i o n o f t h e recreational area,designed as a an amphitheatre with a band stand as a stage.“Angann”, is a traditional open space with cow dung floor, and is used for workshops, recreation, traditional performances and craft workshops.Overlooking the Angann and the farm is the residential quarters or the farmhouse for visiting scholars, artists, historians, writers etc.“Natural Elements” Health and Organic Shop: The air-conditioned shop for farm fresh vegetables is opposite the main recreational block. It is designed with traditional material and has a typical facade of a Goan house.