St. Thomas Christian Museum

The Vision and Mission |Major Attractions|History|Photo Gallery

The museum is open to the public onMonday to Saturday
From 9 a.m. to 12.30 and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.And on Sundays by special appointment

Entrance fee: Adults Rs.5/-; Children : Rs.3/-.Children in groups more than 20: Rs.2/-

Address

Liturgical Research Centre
Mount St Thomas,P.B No. 3110, Kakkanad P.O., Kochi 682 030, India
Tel. 0484-2424768, 2424780; Fax: 0484-2422727 ,E-mail: lrcsyromalabar@gmail.com
Website: stthomasmuseum.com

St. Thomas Christian Museum is situated in the premises of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St, Thomas Kakkanad. It has a rich Collection of historical and cultural documents and artistic objects, including palm leaves, coins, stamps, household utensils and ornaments as well as liturgical objects. Most valuable item is the original manuscript of VARTHAMANAPUSTHAKAM, written in 1785 by Paremakkal Thoma Kathanar. There is also a set 9 Iconographic Paintings on important feasts of the liturgical Seasons. Light and sound show on important historical events of St. Thomas Christians is worth watching too. The Museum was inaugurated in 2001.

THE VISION AND MISSION

Preservation and protection of the documents and artifacts concerning the ideas and events that shaped and continue to shape the religious and social consciousness of the Syro-Malabar Christians.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

24 feet high outdoor granite cross in front of the Museum.
Mural paintings of the missionary activities of St. Thomas
Light and sound show on important historical events of St. Thomas Christians
Film show entitled Church Art and Architecture of St. Thomas Christians
Collection of historical and cultural documents and artistic objects
Books of Palm leaves
Collection of Household utensils, Ornaments and dresses etc
Collection of Numismatics: Coins, Stamps etc
Exhibition of Christian art works of contemporary artists.
Collection of Liturgical Objects: Vestments, Liturgical Vessels, Baptismal Font, Altar, Models of the ancient Churches
Rare Books: The manuscript of VARTHAMANAPUSTHAKAM, written in 1785 by Paremakkal Thoma Kathanar. Syriac Manuscript of prayers, copied in 1585 at Kothamangalam.
Paintings in Syro-Malabar Iconography on 9 important feasts of the liturgical Season.

HISTORY

With a Decree dated, 15th December 2000 Mar Varkey Vithayathil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, erected St. Thomas Christian Museum at Mount St. Thomas. The Decree says: “Preservation and protection of the documents and artifacts concerning the ideas and events that shaped and continue to shape the religious and social consciousness of a people is of paramount importance in giving a sense of belongingness, direction and the correct values in life to the posterity of that people. It has been the desire of the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church that such a process be encouraged and speeded up in the Syro-Malabar Church in a more systematic and organized manner. Therefore having considered the importance and urgency of the matter in the Syro-Malabar church the synod of bishops in its session held from 30th October to 11th November 2000 decided to erect a museum at Mount St. Thomas under the auspices of the Syro-Malabar Liturgical Research Centre".

On March 30 2001 the Major Archbishop issued a circular letter addressed to all the faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church regarding the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and announcing the opening of the St. Thomas Christian Museum at Mount St. Thomas. St. Thomas Christian Museum was formally inaugurated by the Major Archbishop Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil on November 10 2001 in the presence of the Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church and ecumenical representatives of all the seven Churches of St. Thomas Christian tradition.

IMAGES FROM THE MUSEUM