6 Must Visit Museums In Sri Lanka

A lot of history in Sri Lanka is preserved categorically in its museums. With around 16 museums in various parts of the country, the museums in Sri Lanka showcase a variety of things from historical documents, arts, masks, anthropological artefacts, traditional objects, old aircrafts and so on. Make sure you visit at least a few of these museums to get a clear idea of Sri Lanka in its entirety.

# National Museum, Colombo

The oldest, largest and most popular museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum in Colombo that was built in 1877 is housed in a grand colonial building. With over 4,000 palm leaf manuscripts, the museum boasts of ancient royal regalia, jewellery from the bygone times and ancient artwork. It also possesses an impressive collection of traditional masks, china and temple frescoes.

# The Dutch Museum

Located in a quaint corner in the bustling hub of Pettah, the Dutch Museum is a gem worth discovering. Housed in an old building on Prince Street that belongs to the Dutch colonial era, it is said that the venue itself was once the residence of Count August Carl Van Ranzow. In addition to marveling at the age old architecture of the building, visitors can also witness the Dutch legacy of the island through Dutch era furniture, costumes, coins and arms.

# The National Maritime Museum, Galle

Yet another museum housed in an ancient Dutch building that is located within the historical Galle fort. Giving valuable insight into marine history, the museum features artifacts concerning marine biology as well as diagrams showing local fishing methods, deep sea fish, coral and sea grass beds.

# Mask Museum Ambalangoda

Prepare to be mesmerized. One of the finest showcases of creativity and culture under one roof, the colorful mask museum in Ambalangoda features a large range of intricately carved wooden masks that have been used in exorcism and religious rituals in Sri Lanka for centuries.

# Koggala Folk Museum

Erected in tribute to the revered Sinhala writer Martin Wickramasinghe, the Koggala Folk Museum showcases a diverse collection arranged under 25 categories including rare handicrafts, cottage industries, folk music and art, and folk medicine. It is considered a place of great importance as the birthplace of this great writer is believed to have much influence over what shaped him from a young age.

# Sri Dalada Museum, Kandy

Ever since the Sacred Tooth Relic has been enshrined in the Dalada Maligawa, many visitors from all over the world have come to pay tribute to this venerated item. The Dalada Museum Kandy today houses valuable gifts received from these visitors as tribute to the Sacred Tooth Relic along with historical artifacts used in the daily rituals of the Dalada Shrine from the time it was brought to Sri Lanka.