Tipped to be the country's most illustrious cultural institution, the National Museum in Colombo is a must experience highlights in the city. Housed in a former colonial structure, the museum was established by Sir William Henry Gregory who served as Ceylon's British Governor back in the day. Open from 9 am to 5 pm - seven days of the week, the museum is home to the most extensive collection of heritage items in Sri Lanka. This not only includes galleries devoted to royal garments and the throne of the last king of the island but a plethora of Buddha sculptures unearthed from different corners of the world. Other relics of note include masks, words, artwork and exquisite carvings from various eras.