National Museum of Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo is a history museum located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, housed in a neo-Baroque building with two floors. The collection contains over 100,000 exhibits that document the island's heritage and artifacts across different time periods.

The museum was founded in 1877 under British Governor William Henry Gregory with an initial collection of about 800 objects from Sri Lankan history. Over time, the collection grew significantly and continues to expand with new acquisitions today.

The museum displays the throne of the last King of Kandy, ancient Buddhist sculptures, traditional crafts, and an extensive collection of palm leaf manuscripts. These items show how artistic practices and spiritual beliefs shaped daily life and ceremonies across different periods of the island.

The museum is located near the city center and is easily accessible by public transport, making it convenient for most visitors. Plan to spend about two to three hours exploring the exhibits, depending on your interest level and walking pace.

The museum's library maintains one of the world's largest collections of Sri Lankan documents and artifacts, housing millions of items spanning centuries. These materials are among the most comprehensive historical records of island life available to researchers and scholars.

Location: Colombo

Inception: January 1, 1877

Founders: William Henry Gregory

Official opening: 1877

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:00

Website: http://museum.gov.lk

GPS coordinates: 6.91000,79.86083

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:56