Institute Menezes Braganza in Panaji, India
Institute Menezes Braganza is a cultural institute located in Panaji, the capital of Goa. It was established in 1871 during the Portuguese Era under the name Institute Vasco da Gama. In 1963, it was renamed Institute Menezes Braganza after Luis de Menezes Braganza, a Goan freedom fighter. The building honor's him, with a bust of his likeness standing in the centre of the entrance hall, surrounded by Azulejo artwork. Azulejos are traditional Spanish and later Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic tile work. The five painted panels surrounding the freedom fighter were done by Portuguese painter Jorge Colaco. Allegedly, the tiles were painted in Lisbon and then shipped to Goa, making the institute the only place in India adorned with the artwork of Jorge Colaco. The panels reflect the traditional style, painted in blue and white with gold borders. They depict scenes from the Portuguese epic poem "Os Lusiadas" written by the Portuguese poet Luis Vaz de Camoes. The poem describes Vasco da Gama’s voyage and the discovery of the sea route to India.
Institute Menezes Braganza is a cultural institute located in Panaji, the capital of Goa. It was established in 1871 during the Portuguese Era under the name Institute Vasco da Gama. In 1963, it was renamed Institute Menezes Braganza after Luis de Menezes Braganza, a Goan freedom fighter. The building honor's him, with a bust of his likeness standing in the centre of the entrance hall, surrounded by Azulejo artwork.
Azulejos are traditional Spanish and later Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic tile work. The five painted panels surrounding the freedom fighter were done by Portuguese painter Jorge Colaco. Allegedly, the tiles were painted in Lisbon and then shipped to Goa, making the institute the only place in India adorned with the artwork of Jorge Colaco.
The panels reflect the traditional style, painted in blue and white with gold borders. They depict scenes from the Portuguese epic poem "Os Lusiadas" written by the Portuguese poet Luis Vaz de Camoes. The poem describes Vasco da Gama’s voyage and the discovery of the sea route to India.
