Now, the museum was established by the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, who was the Bishop of Kochi. He decided it was high time to protect and showcase the wonderful Portuguese influences on Fort Kochi and its surroundings. And boy, did he succeed!
Once you step inside, you'll find five main sections waiting to delight your senses. We have the Altar section, where you can marvel at a teak altar piece from the Church of Our Lady of Hope in Vypeen, dating all the way back to the 16th century. Imagine the stories that piece could tell!
Then, we have the Treasure section. Here, you'll discover a 19th-century chasuble from Bishop's House in Fort Kochi. It's a fine piece, I tell ya! And don't miss the Procession section, where a glorious processional cross made of silver and wood from Santa Cruz Cathedral in Fort Kochi is on display. Quite a sight, I must say!
But that's not all! In the Civil Life section, you can explore the daily life that was influenced by the Portuguese. And last but not least, the Cathedral section will take you on a journey to the Church of Our Lady of Hope, where you'll find an exquisite Indo-Portuguese monstrance from the 18th to 19th century. It's absolutely stunning!
The beauty doesn't stop there, my friend. All around the museum, you'll find sculptures, precious metal objects, and vestments from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese. It's like diving into a treasure trove of Portuguese art and culture!
Now, here's a fun fact for you. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Lisbon, Portugal, played a major role in selecting the artworks displayed in the museum. They even helped with the design of the exhibition space and provided financial support. So, it's a grand collaboration between Portugal and India.
Well, my friend, I hope you're ready to immerse yourself in this wonderful world of Portuguese influence here in Fort Kochi. Let's go and explore the Indo-Portuguese Museum together!
