The Indo-Portuguese Museum, located in the quaint Fort Kochi area, stands as a tribute to the friendship between two great nations and as a monument to the cultural influence that the Portugese have had on the religion, art and architecture of the region.

Indo-Portugal relations date back to over 500 years when Vaso da Gama, Portugese explorer and a household name, set foot in Calicut (Kozhikode) in Kerala in May 1498, after discovering, for the first time, a direct sea route between Europe and India, across the Atlantic Ocean and the African continent. This gave Portugal direct access to the Indian spice market and by 1502, the Portuguese had established a trading centre at Kollam (formerly Quilon) in Kerala.

Testimony to an enduring cultural exchange
The Indo-Portugese museum, which stands as a testimony to the cultural co-operation between two culturally rich nations, showcases the Portugese influence on the art and history of the region.

Founded by the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, erstwhile Bishop of Kochi, the Indo-Portuguese Museum exhibit the rich cultural heritage shaped by Portuguese interactions.

Meticulously curated exhibits
The museum's collection is divided into five main sections: Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life, and Cathedral each offering glimpses of the intertwining of two rich cultures.

Among the unique pieces that exhibit the fusion of artistic styles and religious traditions are a piece of a 16th-century teak-wood altar, a 19th-century chasuble from the Bishop's House in Fort Kochi, a 17th century processional cross crafted from silver and wood as well as an exquisitely detailed monstrance. 

Continued support from Portugal
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Lisbon, Portugal, was directly involved in the selection of the artworks, from among various churches of the Cochin area as well as in the layout of the museum. The also provided technical and financial assistance towards to the museum building and published a comprehensive catalogue.