The Museum of Christian Art (MoCA) in Old Goa recently launched the MoCA Library Project as part of its Knowledge Center to celebrate Goa’s rich heritage
RAMANDEEP KAUR |NT KURIOCITY
For anyone passionate about Goa’s history and culture, there’s a new spot to visit. The Museum of Christian Art (MoCA) has launched the MoCA Library Project. This project is part of the MoCA Knowledge Center which aims to promote and disseminate knowledge about Goa’s unique artistic and architectural heritage.
“The centre will be dedicated to nurturing this knowledge in its most open-minded and encompassing definition, involving various disciplines to achieve a deeper understanding of Goa’s layered heritage,” says curatorial associate and educator at MoCA, Benjamin Monserrate, adding that the MoCA Library Project is one aspect of the Knowledge Center, which will also include art conservation, research, a digital repository, and archives.
The library will be a hub for those interested in Goa’s art, culture, and history, and will serve as a crucial resource for researchers, academics, and students by providing access to extensive printed materials, digital resources, rare collections, and research tools. “It will help preserve local culture and heritage by maintaining a collection of books, journals, research publications, photographs, maps, and articles on themes related to Goa, history, art and architecture, conservation, and heritage matters,” explains Monserrate.
The library which features thousands of rare books and historical documents dedicated to Goa’s art and architecture has received a boost with the donation of over 2,000 books and publications from the Percival Noronha collection. It offers first-edition books from the 19th century, as well as works on themes such as art, history, conservation, culture, music, and Goa itself, including valuable photo books and maps.
While the library is currently in its preliminary phase, it will focus on the conservation and digitisation of books. It will offer facilities such as study rooms, a lecture hall, digital access stations, and specialised archival rooms. “Over time, our team will assist researchers in identifying publications for specific information they need. The public can access these resources on-site during operating hours or remotely through membership programmes,” says Monserrate, adding that online access to the digital repository and databases will expand the reach of the library’s collection, supporting remote research and learning. “The physical resources will be accessible to the public in the new facilities that the museum is developing.”
The MoCA Knowledge Center’s digital repository aims to include digitised historical documents, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and rare books. “Many of these books are out of print, and like the documents and photographs in the repository, have not been digitised previously, resulting in a new source of information online,” says Monserrate. While for researchers this access will support in-depth study and analysis, for the public, she says, it will offer broader access to the museum’s collections, enhancing educational outreach and engagement with Goa’s cultural heritage. The repository aims to make valuable resources accessible globally, promoting greater appreciation and understanding of Goa’s history and art,” says Monserrate.
And the MoCA Library aims to expand to accommodate more books and related materials. “Books on themes such as Christian art and iconography, Goan history, conservation techniques, and Goan art and architecture will be accepted as donations. This will deepen research opportunities and enhance the library’s role in preserving and promoting both Goan and global artistic traditions,” says Monserrate.
MoCA Library Project inauguration
The MoCA Library Project was launched on the 101st birth anniversary of Percival Noronha, a former member of the Museum’s managing committee, whose family has donated books from his collection to the MoCA library.
To commemorate this event, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman Simião Purificação Fernandes blessed the project and some of the books from the collection in the presence of Noronha’s family members, the managing committee members, and MoCA staff.
Community engagement and education
The MoCA Knowledge Center plans to engage the local community and educational institutions through partnerships with schools and universities for educational tours, workshops, and lectures. Community projects will involve local artisans and cultural practitioners to celebrate and preserve Goa’s heritage.
