The National Museum, One of The Key Attractions in Colombo Sri Lanka
The National Treasure housed in a colonial type mansion, the Museum – as it is , perhaps, best known – is the repository of items of interest from pre-historic times to the near present.
The regal white edifice of the Sri Lanka National Museum set amidst a generously spread of property in the exclusive environs of Cinnamon Gardens.
The sheer beauty of the building revealing shades of Italian architecture rarely fails to evoke a second glance. This beautiful structure can be traced back to 1877, when it was purposely built to house antiques.
At that time this project was ably supported by the British Governor of Ceylon (as it was then known), Sir William Henry Gregory.
When the national museum was inaugurated in 1877, it had a mere 800 items on display. Today that number has grown to over 100,000!.
As more artefacts from the island’s natural history were unearthed, a need was felt to differentiate cultural and natural history so that visitors could gain a comprehensive insight into both facets of their heritage under one roof.
Ranging from pre-historic times to the Kandyan (early 19th century) period, this museum showcases diverse aspects of life in Sri Lanka.
Attention to detail like a miniature carvings on an everyday object such as a toothpick reveals much about the skill and expertise of artists of early times, who did not have modern technology – relying instead , on dedicated manual effort.
The museum’s invaluable collection of ivory objects are the most unique in the world. Its vast coin collection (dating back to 6th century BC).
the royal throne and crown of the last king of Kandy (Sri Wickrama Rajasingha) stone inscriptions and sculptures, intricate jewellery, rudimentary stone implements and a massive skeleton of a blue whale are the highlights of this museum.
The Museum also houses a library that maintains a list of rare historical books and chronicles for history lovers. and as a research institute it is actively involved in conducting intensive research in pre history ethnology, anthropology, culture and the crafts. It also conducts lectures and seminars periodically.
About 500 visitors both locals and visitors from abroad pass through its portals daily. The television commercials highlighting exhibits from the museum have generated much interest among visitors.
The museum brings to life valuable history lessons for the younger generation, about their past and legacy. One would wonder about the maintenance of such a valuable treasure.
The Treasury allocates resources directly for its maintenance. These funds have to be shared with eight other regional museums which come under its purview.
Details of how to get in touch with Sri Lanka National Museum (Colombo):
Address 853 Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7. Sri Lanka
Telephone: (94) 11 269 5366 (Direct) (94) 11 269 4767 (General)
Facsimile : (94) 11 269 2092
email : nemdep@slt.lk
Tickets US$ 5 (Rs. 500/- (local Currency)) – additional charges apply for taking photographs
Open : 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Fridays and National Holidays
Apart from the National History Museum, there are two other museums located in Colombo city.
Dutch Period Museum at Pettah
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