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The Museum of Goa (MOG), founded in 2015 by artist Dr. Subodh Kerkar, is located in the Pilerne Industrial Estate near Calangute. While not a traditional museum, it is a significant contemporary art space (MOG in Konkani means “love”), dedicated to telling Goa’s complex history and vibrant culture through modern art forms. The current entry fee for adults is typically INR 300 (INR 150 for students).
MOG actively showcases how Goan lives intertwine with the sea, reflecting a deep maritime culture. Exhibitions like Gopakapattanam connect Goa’s past to its present. A permanent display of works by Kerkar’s father, Chandrakant Kerkar, offers a touch of “Goa Nostalgia,” contrasting the contemporary exhibits.
A key installation powerfully narrates the destruction of Hindu temples during the Portuguese Inquisition. Estimates suggest over 1,000 temples were destroyed, compelling devotees to carry their deities to safety. One evocative piece features a wooden boat ferrying brass deities, symbolizing this dangerous migration of gods from the Old Conquest territories to the safer Jungles and New Conquests.
The museum champions contemporary art, providing a non-traditional setting for sculptures, installations, and multimedia works. Pieces often engage directly with socio-political and religious themes, using local materials to discuss issues like migration, colonial legacy, and the unique hybrid Goan identity.
MOG also functions as a cultural hub, hosting weekly events like ‘MOG Sundays,’ workshops, and lectures. It serves as a vital platform for local and international artists, making art accessible and fostering dialogue about Goan heritage that goes far beyond a typical gallery experience.