The Archaeological Museum is housed in the impressive building of the abandoned Convent of Francis of Assissi 9 km from Panaji, in Old Goa and has been functional since 1964. This museum contains antiquities from the Pre-Portugese, early and late medieval period. Brahmanical sculptures hero-stones and sati stones of the early and late medieval periods, Brahminical sculptures, coins, currency, revenue and court fee stamps dating back to the Hindu dynasties that ruled Goa before the Portugese. Armoury and metal figurines and statues of the Portugese period are also on display. The portraits include that of Vasco da Gama, Alfonso de Albuquerque and other Governors in their formal attires.
Some other prominent displays of the museum consist of middle and upper Paleolithic stone tools, Microliths and a few Neolithic Celts, a six meter high statue of Alfonso de Albuquerque, a wooden statue of St. Peter excavated materials from Chandnor, copper coins and copper nails, rings dating back to the third century B.C etc.
A standing statue of Lord Vishnu accompanied by Goddess Laxmi and Garuda on either side, seated Uma-Maheshwara is one of the special attractions.
