Colombo National Museum: The Island’s Story Under One Roof
The Colombo National Museum, opened in 1877, is the biggest and oldest museum in Sri Lanka, set in a white colonial building in the leafy Cinnamon Gardens district. Its galleries trace the island from ancient times to the colonial era, and its centrepiece is the throne and crown of the last king of Kandy.
Highlights
The royal regalia of the Kandyan kingdom, ancient bronzes and stone carvings, traditional masks and puppets, and a fine collection of paintings and manuscripts are the museum’s draws. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice.
Around the museum
The museum faces the green expanse of Viharamahadevi Park, and the Natural History Museum shares the grounds. It is an easy cultural half-day in central Colombo.
Getting there
It is in Colombo 7, a short tuk-tuk ride from Fort or Kollupitiya. Closed on some public holidays, so check before you go.
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