Museums in Sri Lanka

This museum in Sri Lanka takes one through the history of the country with it's collections on arts and humanities, natural sciences and documents. The National Museum of Colombo is the largest museum in the country. Established back in 1877, the museum holds collections of utmost importance to Sri Lankan history and culture. The objects on display are very diverse.

This historic two-story museum in Sri Lanka displays objects and artefacts relating to the Dutch colonial rule. Though the museum was established as late as 1982, the building was actually built back in the 1690s by Thomas van Rhee, who was then Governor, as his residence.

One of the oldest Dutch buildings in the Galle Fort, the National Museum of Galle was built in 1656 as a commissariat store. The museum houses collections from the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods. It stands just inside the fort's main gate, which makes it an easy first stop on a walk round the ramparts, and the building is as much the exhibit as the collection.

Ambalangoda is a town known for its masks, to reiterate the tradition and its rich heritage, the Mask Museum in Sri Lanka was established to strengthen the culture. Some of the costumes here are acclaimed for their intricate designs and patterns with some of them even dating back 20-30 years ago.

Exhibiting objects that were used by the local communities, Anuradhapura Folk Museum in Sri Lanka reflects the lifestyle and lives of rural villagers and their eventual transition to modern-day styles. Situated near the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum, it holds collections of mainly traditional objects like kitchen utensils, medical equipment, cultivation tools, musical instruments and more.

Sri Lankan history and heritage, which has come a long way over the decades, is rightly preserved in the National Museum in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Formerly known as Palle Vahala, the museum earlier used to serve as accommodation for royal guests. It stands beside the Temple of the Tooth, and its collection concentrates on the Kandyan kingdom and its last years before 1815.

Among the many names given to this island country like Lanka, Lakdiva, Serendib, Sri Lanka was also named Ceylon - during British Colonialism - reminding us of the famous Ceylon tea that origins in Sri Lanka. Situated at Hantana, 3 KM away from main Kandy city, Ceylon Tea Museum was structured in 1925 as the former Hantana Tea factory.

Formerly belonging to a citizen named Ehelepola Nilame who was a courtier in the Kingdom of Kandy, the National Museum of Ratnapura also called Ehelepola Walauwa houses collections of archaeological inventions, natural history, geological, anthropological artefacts and even a sword that is believed to have belonged to Ehelepola.

Covering the natural heritage of Sri Lanka, the National Museum of Natural History is located near to the National Museum of Colombo and is one of the only museums in the country to showcase collections of natural history and heritage. With over 5000 species and specimens of all kinds of animals endemic to Sri Lanka showcased, the collection also includes some rare and extinct animals.

Initially opened in 9 May 1962, National Maritime Museum in Sri Lanka was a two-storeyed building in the Galle Fort. During the 2004 tsunami, the Museum was destroyed and was reopned in 2010 after reconstruction. It showcases objects from the underwater such as corals and other things along with maps, ropes, sailor shoes and so on.

Located in the basement of the Independence Memorial Hall in the Independence Square, the Independence Memorial Museum in Sri Lanka was established to honour the country's heroes who were instrumental in helping Sri Lanka gain its freedom from the British forces. The museum has collections of busts, portraits of political leaders, patriots and men, each with their stories written next to it.

Established in 1947 under the patronage of well known Sri Lankan archaeologist Dr Senarath Paranavithana, the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum houses collections from various parts of Sri Lanka which includes Buddha statues, inscriptions, drawings, coins, jewellery and more.

Established under the patronage of former Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal Harry Goonatilake, the Air Force Museum exhibits old aircraft and types of equipment that were in use by the Sri Lankan Air Force. It is the only National Museum in Sri Lanka that is solely dedicated to aviation and even has collections from World War 2 in its hangars.

Housing collections of old engines, locomotives, trolleys, carriages and everything railways, the National Railway Museum was established to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Sri Lankan Railways. Located in Kadugannawa, the museum is owned and operated by Sri Lankan Railways.

Located in Galle, the Community Tsunami Museum is oriented towards educating individuals about tsunamis and preparing them for such situations. It also aims at preserving the memories of the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004. The displays are largely photographs and personal accounts from families along this stretch of coast, which took some of the worst of the wave.

Ape Gama, which means 'Our Village' reimagines how village life would look like in the old days functioning as a heritage museum. Ape Gama is complete with old mud houses, traditional handiwork and industries, a bird-watching zone and a mini zoo. Visitors have the advantage of interacting with people and learning more about Sri Lankan culture and heritage.