Global Exhibitions 2025 continue to celebrate cultural heritage alongside innovation, and a remarkable example of this is the INTACH photo exhibition on Mangalorean Catholic heritage homes, which opened at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh, Mangaluru, on October 4, 2025. Titled “Album of the Porches,” the week-long exhibition presents an in-depth photographic journey into 27 traditional Catholic homes across Mangaluru, highlighting their unique architectural features, rich history, and cultural significance. The exhibition will remain open to the public until October 11, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., offering visitors an immersive experience into Mangalorean heritage.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Ronald Gomes, President of the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK), in the presence of INTACH Mangalore Convener and Architect Subhas Basu and renowned researcher Dr. Michael Lobo, who contributed extensive research on the community’s history and genealogy. Addressing the attendees, Ronald Gomes emphasized that these homes are living monuments that embody the community’s identity and collective memory. He noted that they must be cherished as part of cultural heritage rather than dismissed as old structures.
Architect Subhas Basu, who guided the project, remarked that Catholic homes are a vital part of Mangalorean heritage. While older generations have successfully preserved them, Basu stressed the need for younger generations to actively participate in their conservation. This intergenerational responsibility is crucial to maintain the legacy of architectural design, social history, and familial stories embedded within these homes.
Dr. Michael Lobo, who assisted with genealogical and historical research, shared his personal experience of growing up in a 150-year-old ancestral home. Reflecting on modifications made to his family house over the years, he highlighted the bittersweet nature of heritage preservation. Despite changes, he observed that preserving the interiors allows memories and cultural essence to survive, connecting present and future generations.
The exhibition also recognized the contributions of INTACH Life Member and Architect Sharvani Bhat, who coordinated the research project, and Architect Murali Abbemane, who meticulously photographed the homes. Both, along with other contributors, were felicitated for their dedication to documenting and preserving this heritage. Alongside the exhibition, an album-book documenting these heritage homes is planned to ensure that this valuable legacy is preserved for future generations.
This exhibition reflects a broader movement in Global Exhibitions 2025, where the focus is not only on innovation and technology but also on cultural preservation and storytelling. By highlighting Mangalorean Catholic heritage homes, INTACH encourages communities and visitors to understand the importance of conserving architectural and cultural identity. Visitors are invited to explore the exhibition to experience the artistry, craftsmanship, and historical narratives captured in each photograph.
Through “Album of the Porches,” INTACH successfully connects history, culture, and community pride. It reminds us that exhibitions can serve as both a visual celebration and an educational platform, fostering awareness and appreciation for heritage that is at risk of being forgotten. The Kodialguthu Centre serves as a vibrant stage for this cultural dialogue, linking the past with the present while inspiring a collective effort to safeguard heritage for the future.
