Joanna James
Ranked among the island's top cultural institutions, the National Museum of Sri Lanka is located in the nation's capital Colombo. Housed in a glorious colonial edifice, the venue documents the chequered history of the island, its people and its Buddhist heritage. From marvelling at the royal regalia that has survived centuries to understanding Sri Lanka's spiritual roots, here are some tips on how to make the most of a visit to the National Museum.
Those who intend to tour the National Museum of Sri Lanka during their stay in bustling Colombo would do well to read up on this iconic landmark in the city. In addition to enhancing one's understanding of the exhibits on display, reading up on the venue is also likely to make the museum tour a more meaningful experience, especially for those who are not well-versed in Sri Lankan history. Set up as early as 1877, the museum was established by none other than the former British Governor of Ceylon, Sir William Henry Gregory. Designed by architect J. G. Smither in the Italian style, the museum was first used to showcase a few relics from the cultural and natural history of the island. The building was constructed by Wapchie Marikar who is credited with building some of Sri Lanka's most iconic public houses including the Colombo General Post Office, the Victoria Arcade and Pettah's Old Town Hall.
Open on weekdays and weekends between 9 am and 5 pm, the National Museum of Colombo is closed to visitors on public holidays including Full Moon Poya days. The entry fee of the National Museum will vary depending on the visitor's country of origin as locals and those belonging to SAARC countries receive discounts. It is also prudent to buy tickets for both the main museum and the National Museum Library in one go as buying tickets for both venues separately will cost more.
Those based at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts or any of the best Sri Lanka hotels in Colombo will find that the National Museum is conveniently located in the heart of the city. The ideal time to visit the museum is during the morning hours on a weekday as this is when visitors can have the venue to themselves and explore the galleries without contending with large crowds. The two-storey structure is surrounded by a lush lawn lined with banyan trees and there's an imposing 4th-century Buddha statue in the centre of the lobby of the building that will be one of the first sights that greet visitors.
While there are a great many popular exhibits on show at the National Museum, some of the biggest highlights include artefacts belonging to the Kandyan kingdom. As the last Sinhalese stronghold to surrender to British rule, the last Kandyan monarch and his court are a constant source of fascination for history buffs. The jewelled throne on which King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe ruled Ceylon is one of the main points of interest inside the museum as it is the only royal throne that's survived the test of time. Countless other personal belongings of the king and his queen are on display at the museum including footwear and items of clothing. These valuable assets were added to the museum's collection in the 1930s. A copy of the Statue of Tara, which is housed at the British Museum, is also found here.
It is important to remember that the galleries on the ground floor follow the sequence of history so visitors can easily follow along with the rulers and events that shaped the country.
Having been a part of the National Museum since 1877, the National Museum Library is the largest legal document and book depository on the island. Once called the Government Oriental Library, it contains a wide variety of local publications that document the country's evolution in the last 130-plus years.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
