Colombo National Museum
කොළඹ ජාතික කෞතුකාගාරය
Sri Lanka's oldest and largest museum, housing the throne and crown of the Kandyan Kingdom and Buddhist sculptures from various periods.
The National Museum opened in 1877. Its white Italianate building stands in the Cinnamon Gardens district. The exhibits are arranged chronologically, from prehistoric times through Buddhist sculptures of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods, to the throne and crown of the last Kandyan king. There are also ancient masks, weapons and palm-leaf manuscripts. Foreign visitor admission is about 1,000 to 1,500 rupees, and photography costs extra. It is closed on public holidays. Next door are the Natural History Museum and Viharamahadevi Park.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00; closed on public holidays
Nearby sights
- Viharamahadevi Park
- Colombo Town Hall
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Independence Memorial Hall & Square
- Number 11 – Geoffrey Bawa's Home
- Beira Lake & Seema Malaka
- Lotus Tower
- Galle Face Green