National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum in Colombo with extensive collections documenting the geological and biological history of the region. The exhibits contain mammal specimens, fossils from various periods, and rock collections from Sri Lanka.

The museum was founded in 1986 and became the country's primary institution for presenting natural heritage and environmental science. Its establishment came during a period of growing interest in preserving and scientifically documenting Sri Lanka's natural resources.

The museum displays plant and animal species that represent the biological diversity of Sri Lanka and what the land naturally contains. Visitors get a direct sense of which species are native here and how varied the island's wildlife is.

The museum is located in Colombo and is open to visitors on most days, though it helps to check current hours before your visit. Access may be limited in some areas, so it is worth asking about accessibility when you arrive.

The museum houses a taxidermied leopard from Batticaloa that was captured in the early 1900s and was responsible for several deaths. The specimen stands as a striking reminder of the historical conflicts between large predators and people on the island.

Location: Colombo

Inception: 1986

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Website: http://museum.gov.lk

GPS coordinates: 6.91119,79.86108

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:05