The National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka being a culturally rich and equally historic country, numerous artefacts that tell the story of the nation have been collected over the years. It is the National Museum of Colombo which is home to much of the country’s artefacts. The museum itself has its own piece of history, which dates back to the times of colonial rule as being the first ever-public museum in the country.

The National Museum of Colombo is one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious museums, which houses various artefacts spanning from as early as the pre-historic ages to present times. The museum was initiated on the 1st of January 1877m during the time where Sir William Henry Gregory served as the British Colonial Governor of Ceylon. With the aid of the Governor, the Sri Lankan branch of the Royal Asiatic Society founded the museum and started the collection of many of the relics that now reside in the museum’s many galleries.

The National Museum of Colombo is by far the largest museum in Sri Lanka. Set in a building that is notable for it’s Italian based architecture, the museum boasts a collection of fine relics hailing from the many kingdoms that ruled over various regions of Sri Lanka, namely Kandy, Anuradhapura and Pollonaruwa. Furthermore, the artefacts left behind during British rule are also on display.

One of the main highlights of National Museum of Colombo would be the golden throne of the King of Kandy, which is a majestic piece of work that includes gems and intricate design. Furthermore, the museum also boasts its fine library collection which is home to over half a million books, nearly 4000 palm manuscripts as well as a gallery filled with fine paintings of Sri Lanka over the ages.

Apart from the historical artefacts on display, the museum is also hosts much of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Puppetry that is synonymous with much of the country’s cultural past is on display on the first floor of museum within the children’s gallery. Visitors will also find the skeleton of a blue whale that hangs from the ceiling. Furthermore this area also displays the various forms of attire that Sri Lankans have adorned over the years.

The National Museum of Colombo is also the venue of many seminars, workshops and educational programmes that are present in order to instil a deeper bond and love for the country’s fusion of culture and history. The museum that is located on Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha also known as Albert Crescent, is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Visit the National Museum of Colombo and be enthralled by the artefacts that provide insight in to the early development of this magnificent country.