National Museum of Kandy

The National Museum of Kandy occupies a historical building and displays over 5000 artifacts from the Kandyan period between the 17th and 19th centuries. The collection includes various objects that document the cultural life and craftsmanship of that era.

The building served as quarters for royal concubines during Sri Wickrama Rajasingha's reign before becoming a museum in 1942. This change marked the shift from a private palace function to a place of public learning.

The collection displays weapons, jewelry, tools, and royal regalia that show the craftsmanship and traditions of pre-European Sinhalese civilization. Visitors can see the skills and tastes that shaped daily life and power structures of that time.

The museum opens from Tuesday to Saturday and offers visitors a chance to explore the exhibits in an organized setting. Guided tours are available on site to help understand the collections better.

The museum displays a reproduction of a historical document from 1815 that sealed the transfer of Kandyan provinces to British control. This document marks a turning point in the region's history and remains a powerful reminder for visitors.

Location: Kandy

Inception: 1942

Operator: Department of National Museums

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00-17:00

Website: http://museum.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_regionalm&task=regionalmuseum&id=4&Itemid=60&lang=en

GPS coordinates: 7.29326,80.64214

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:08