All About the Wonderful Museums in Sri Lanka!

Exploring the Rich History of Sri Lanka Through Its Museums

Sri Lanka, an island steeped in history and culture, offers a treasure trove of experiences through its numerous museums. These institutions not only preserve the rich heritage of the island but also offer visitors an immersive journey into the past. Here is a list of notable museums across Sri Lanka, showcasing their unique collections and historical significance:

List of Museums in Sri Lanka

• Colombo National Museum
• National Museum of Galle
• National Museum of Kandy
• National Museum of Rathnapura
• National Museum of Natural History, Colombo
• Colombo Dutch Museum
• National Maritime Museum
• Independence Memorial Museum
• Folk Museum, Anuradhapura
• Anuradhapura Museum
• Mihintale Museum
• Veheragala Museum
• Isurumuniya Museum
• Tantirimale Museum
• Panduwasnuwara Museum
• Rajanganaya Museum
• Yapahuwa Museum
• Nalanda Museum
• Pidurangala Museum
• Batticaloa Museum
• Deegavapi Museum
• Kotte Museum
• Matara Star Fort Museum
• Yatala Museum

Colombo National Museum

The Colombo National Museum, established in 1877, is maintained by the Department of Museums. Located in Colombo, it is the largest and most visited museum in Sri Lanka. The museum's notable collections include the crown and throne of the Kandyan Monarchs, as well as items related to the cultural and natural heritage of the country. From antique demon masks to old agricultural appliances, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka's history.

The museum is open to the public throughout the year except for public holidays. Colombo's warmer climate makes it advisable to visit during the dry season, from January to March, for a more comfortable experience. Located in the commercial capital, it is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. The entry fee varies for locals and foreigners.

Learn More: Colombo National Museum

National Museum of Galle

Located in a building built in 1686, the National Museum of Galle focuses on the colonial period, showcasing many Dutch remnants and artifacts. It conserves the social and cultural heritage of the Southern Province and highlights significant international relationships from the past.

The museum is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays. The ticket prices are affordable, with discounts for school students and teachers. Foreign visitors are charged between Rs. 150-300, and there are additional fees for photography and videography. The museum features three separate galleries, offering education and entertainment about the culture, heritage, colonial era, and historical international relationships of Sri Lanka.

Learn More: National Museum of Galle

National Museum of Kandy

The National Museum of Kandy, located next to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, is housed in part of the former Royal Palace of Kandy. It features two sections, preserving around 5000 artifacts from the royal era. The architectural structure of the building itself is an exhibit, showcasing the rich history of the Kandy Kingdom.

Open every weekday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the museum charges locals between SLR 10-20 and foreigners between SLR 300-400. A visit to this museum offers a comprehensive lesson on the history and heritage of the Kandy Kingdom.

Learn More: National Museum of Kandy

National Museum of Rathnapura

Housed in an old mansion that belonged to a noble of the Kandyan Kingdom, the National Museum of Rathnapura focuses on the Sabaragamuwa Province. It showcases prehistoric archeological findings, natural heritage, geological, anthropological, and zoological artifacts, as well as medieval-era Sinhala swords and old collections of guns.

The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except Sundays and Mondays. Ticket prices are similar to those of other national museums, with a difference between locals and foreigners. A visit provides a detailed understanding of the Sabaragamuwa Province and the Kandyan era.

Learn More: National Museum of Rathnapura

National Museum of Natural History, Colombo

Located next to the National Museum of Colombo, this museum focuses on the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. It showcases around 10,000 species of plants, animals, fossils, and geological rocks. The museum offers a detailed insight into the flora and fauna endemic to Sri Lanka.

Open every day except for public holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the museum charges a small fee for entry, with different rates for locals and foreigners. It is an ideal place for nature lovers who want to learn about the natural history of Sri Lanka.

Learn More: National Museum of Natural History, Colombo

Colombo Dutch Museum

Situated in the official residence of Dutch governor Thomas Van Rhee, the Colombo Dutch Museum displays over 3000 objects related to the Dutch colonial period. The architecture and structure of the building itself are significant exhibits.

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except Sundays and Mondays, the ticket prices are similar to those of other museums. A visit offers comprehensive knowledge about Dutch rule in Sri Lanka and their lifestyle during that period.

Learn More: Colombo Dutch Museum

National Maritime Museum

Located in the old Dutch warehouse of the Galle Fort, the National Maritime Museum focuses on the maritime biological and anthropological aspects of the Southern coastal area. It features two main galleries, showcasing different watercraft, traditional fishing techniques, and marine ecosystems.

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except Mondays and Sundays, the museum is partially under construction due to tsunami damage. Entry fees are reasonable, with a difference between locals and foreigners. A visit provides extensive knowledge about the marine life and history of Sri Lanka.

Learn More: National Maritime Museum

Independence Memorial Museum

Located in the basement of the Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, this museum honors national heroes from the British ruling period. It features busts, display boards with names, pictures, and stories of political leaders, clergymen, and lay patriots who led the struggle for independence.

Open every day except Sundays and Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the ticket prices are similar to those of other museums. A visit provides education on the Independence War in the 1940s and honors the contributions of national heroes.

Learn More: Independence Memorial Museum

Folk Museum, Anuradhapura

Situated in Anuradhapura, this museum focuses on religious history and the rural lifestyle of the Nuwara Kalaviya area. It exhibits religious sculptures, ornaments, antiques, and information about the traditional lifestyle of rural farmers, using models and specimens.

Open every day except Mondays and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the museum offers a unique insight into the religious history and traditional lifestyle of rural communities in Sri Lanka.

Learn More: Folk Museum, Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura Museum

Anuradhapura Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums under the Department of Archaeology in Sri Lanka. Situated in the old administration building of the sacred city of Anuradhapura, this museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It exhibits a wide array of antiquities including Buddha statues, inscriptions, drawings, puppets, coins, jewelry, beads, and various other artifacts. Additionally, the museum features models of rare and important religious buildings in Sri Lanka, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the Anuradhapura kingdom's unique heritage.

Learn More: Anuradhapura Museum

Mihintale Museum

Mihintale Museum, located in the North Central province, is dedicated to archaeological findings from Mihintale and its surroundings. The museum's collection includes bronze figurines, ancient tools, fragments of frescoes and paintings, and a gold-plated ola leaf manuscript. These artifacts offer valuable insights into the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the significance of Mihintale in the island's religious history.

Learn More: Mihintale Museum

Veheragala Museum

Veheragala Museum in the North Central province preserves the antiquities found in the sacred area of Veheragala. The museum's collection includes objects related to significant historical incidents that took place in Veheragala. Visitors can gain knowledge about rare antiquities and the historical events associated with this sacred area.

Learn More: Veheragala Museum

Isurumuniya Museum

The Isurumuniya Museum is located within the Isurumuniya Viharaya and focuses on archaeological objects discovered in the Vihara premises. One of its most famous exhibits is the sculpture of the Isurumuni lovers, dating back to the 5th century. The museum also houses sculptures of the Royal court or the royal family, Kavata sculptures, Kuveri Triod, sculptures of Kinnaras, and figures of Dwares, offering a rich visual history of the site.

Learn More: Isurumuniya Museum

Tantirimale Museum

Tantirimale Museum features a rare collection of objects with archaeological and historical value, including terracotta images and statues of Lord Buddha from the latter part of the Polonnaruwa era. The museum showcases the craftsmanship and technological prowess of ancient Sri Lankan artisans, making it a valuable resource for those interested in ancient arts and crafts.

Learn More: Tantirimale Museum

Panduwasnuwara Museum

Located in the Northwestern province, Panduwasnuwara Museum at Kotampitiya junction exhibits artifacts discovered during excavations. These include small statues, stones, metals, terracotta, timber findings, coins, pottery, and jewelry, believed to be remnants of the royal era, preserving the historical past of the Northwestern province.

Learn More: Panduwasnuwara Museum

Rajanganaya Museum

Rajanganaya Museum in Haththikuchchi, near the Haththikuchchi Vihara premises, holds significant objects related to the area. Open to the public every day except Tuesdays and public holidays, it offers insights into the archaeological and historical heritage of the region.

Learn More: Rajanganaya Museum

Yapahuwa Museum

The Yapahuwa Archaeological Museum in the Northwestern province showcases antiquities related to the Dambadeniya Kingdom. The museum provides an educational experience with exhibits from excavations of the Royal Palace, gardens, moats, and city walls from the Dambadeniya kingdom.

Learn More: Yapahuwa Museum

Nalanda Museum

Situated in the Central province, Nalanda Museum (formerly Nalanda Gedige Museum) is known for its hybrid style featuring Hindu elements and Tantric Buddhist carvings. The museum, which resembles a Hindu temple, offers a unique blend of Buddhist and Hindu artistic traditions.

Learn More: Nalanda Museum

Pidurangala Museum

Located in Pidurangala Viharaya, the Pidurangala Museum is an archaeological museum showcasing antiquities and photographs related to the Pidurangala archaeological site. The museum features inscriptions dating back to the 6th, 7th, and 10th centuries, providing a rich historical narrative.

Learn More: Pidurangala Museum

Batticaloa Museum

Batticaloa Museum, situated in the historic Fort of Batticaloa, focuses on the colonial period with exhibits including British-era tools, utensils, and Palm-leaf manuscripts. Though small, it houses rare and valuable items marking a significant period in Sri Lankan history.

Learn More: Batticaloa Museum

Deegavapi Museum

Also known as the Ampara museum, Deegavapi Museum conserves artifacts found around Dighavapi Viharaya and the Eastern Province. Its collection includes statues, inscriptions, beads, coins, and terracotta objects, offering a comprehensive look at the region's archaeological heritage.

Learn More: Deegavapi Museum

Kotte Museum

Located in Sri Jayawardanapura, Kotte Museum houses a vast collection of antiquities from the Kotte Kingdom and surrounding areas. The exhibits include regional flags, clothing, statues, coins, swords, and other historical artifacts.

Learn More: Kotte Museum

Matara Star Fort Museum

Matara Star Fort Museum in the Southern province showcases archaeological heritage and historical items from various eras, including prehistoric, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, and colonial periods.

Learn More: Matara Star Fort Museum

Yatala Museum

Located in Yatala Wehera, Yatala Museum focuses on artifacts found during excavations of Yatala Dagoba. The museum's collection includes Buddha statues, carvings, inscriptions, and details about the Ruhuna kingdom.

Learn More: Yatala Museum

Kasagala and Mulkirigala Museums

Kasagala Museum and Mulkirigala Museum are site museums in the Southern province preserving artifacts from their respective areas. Kasagala Museum is in Kasagala Raja Maha Viharaya, and Mulkirigala Museum exhibits objects from Mulkirigala and its surroundings.

Learn More: Kasagala Museum Mulkirigala Museum

Jaffna Museum

Located in Nallur, Jaffna Museum is a leading regional archaeological museum in the Northern Province. It features a collection of Buddhist and Hindu artifacts, as well as items from the prehistoric and colonial periods.

Learn More: Jaffna Museum

Vavuniya Museum

Vavuniya Museum showcases items from Vavuniya and its surroundings, including Buddhist and Hindu statues and pre-historical objects. The museum prohibits photography without special permission.

Learn More: Vavuniya Museum

Buduruwagala Museum

Buduruwagala Museum in the Uva province houses relics from royal periods, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy, offering a comprehensive view of the region's historical significance.

Learn More: Buduruwagala Museum

Dedigama Museum

Dedigama Museum in the Sabaragamuwa province preserves items from excavations at Dedigama Kota Vehera. The collection includes stone tools, inscriptions, metals, and statues related to major historical incidents.

Learn More: Dedigama Museum

Ceylon Tea Museum, Kandy

Located in the Hanthana tea factory, Ceylon Tea Museum offers insights into the history of the tea industry in Sri Lanka. The museum exhibits colonial generators, rollers, dryers, fermentation tables, and sorting machines, along with a library dedicated to tea industry literature.

Learn More: Ceylon Tea Museum

Colombo Port Maritime Museum

Adjacent to the Colombo Port, the Colombo Port Maritime Museum exhibits historical items related to Sri Lanka's maritime history, including models, sculptures, and port development equipment.

Learn More: Colombo Port Maritime Museum

Currency Museum

Also known as the Economic History Museum of Sri Lanka, the Currency Museum in Colombo Fort highlights the evolution of Sri Lankan currency, from ancient coins to modern and commemorative currencies.

Learn More: Currency Museum

Highway Museum

Sri Lanka's first highway museum, the Highway Museum Complex in Kiribathkumbura, Kandy, displays road development equipment and models of initial innovative roads, such as the Bogoda Wooden Bridge. This open-air museum is accessible without an entrance fee.

Learn More: Highway Museum