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Mario Gallery, Goa
Mario Gallery is the official chain of shops selling the work of Mario de Miranda (1926–2011), the cartoonist whose crowded, good-humoured drawings have become the way Goa pictures itself. There are five branches, in Porvorim, Panjim, Calangute, Margao and Carmona, selling prints and originals alongside mugs, tiles, bags and books.
Mario de Miranda (1926–2011), born in Loutolim, drew Goa so persistently that his crowded, good-humoured line is now how the state pictures itself. The official galleries sell prints and originals alongside tiles, mugs, bags, postcards, puzzles and books, most of it between Rs 400 and 1,500. Cheerful, genuinely local, and easier to carry home than anything else on the souvenir shelf. Branches in Porvorim, which closes earlier at about 17:00, plus Panjim, Calangute and Margão, generally open 10:00 to 22:00.
Goa as Mario Miranda drew it: the most cheerful souvenir in the state
Who was Mario Miranda
Mario de Miranda was born on 2 May 1926 in Daman, then Portuguese India, and drew for The Times of India, The Illustrated Weekly of India, Femina and The Economic Times. His characters, such as Miss Fonseca and Miss Nimbupani, came from cafés, weddings and streets in Goa and Bombay, drawn in a flat, busy line full of small interactions. He received the Padma Shri in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2012.
After retiring he lived in his ancestral home in Loutolim, in Salcete, where he died in 2011. His work is still on public walls: Café Mondegar in Mumbai, and the mural he painted at the Panjim municipal market in 2004, for which he refused payment.
What to buy
Originals and prints in several sizes, books, and a long shelf of everyday objects carrying Mario's drawings: mugs, shot glasses, trays, tiles, coasters, fridge magnets, bookmarks, playing cards, puzzles, bags, cushion covers and lampshades. Most items cost roughly Rs 400–1,500. These are local designs and light enough to carry home. The same range is sold online on the official site.
Branches and hours
- Porvorim: H.No. 674, Torda, Salvador-do-Mundo, Bardez. It closes earlier than the others, at about 17:00.
- Panjim: Navelkar Trade Center, MG Road, opposite Azad Maidan.
- Calangute: Pedru Martina, Gauro Vaddo.
- Margao: Raghunath Esquire, Pajifond.
- Carmona: Maninha Complex, ground floor of building A.
The town branches are generally open about 10:00–22:00. The official site does not publish hours, so call the branch if you are going late.
❓ FAQ
Who is Mario in Goa?
Mario de Miranda (1926–2011), the cartoonist whose drawings of Goan and Bombay life appeared in The Times of India and The Illustrated Weekly. Mario Gallery is the official shop for his work.
Where are the Mario Galleries in Goa?
In Porvorim (Torda), Panjim (opposite Azad Maidan), Calangute, Margao and Carmona.
What are the Mario Gallery timings?
Town branches are generally open about 10:00–22:00; the Porvorim gallery closes earlier, around 17:00. Call ahead to be sure.
How much do things cost at Mario Gallery?
Most items are roughly Rs 400–1,500; some, such as originals, cost more. Prices are listed on the official online shop.