International Buddhist Museum, Buddhist museum in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Description
The International Buddhist Museum is a museum building in Kandy containing collections from seventeen Asian countries spread across two floors. It displays artwork, ancient texts, statues, and other objects that represent different Buddhist traditions.
History
The building originally served as a government office during British colonial rule before being repurposed as a museum. The museum itself opened in 2011 and has since presented Buddhist traditions from across Asia.
Culture
The museum showcases how Buddhism developed in different Asian countries, visible in the various art styles and religious objects on display. You can see how people in places like Japan, Thailand, and China practiced and expressed this faith in their own ways.
Practical
The museum sits next to the Temple of the Tooth and is easy to reach when visiting this part of Kandy. The building is clearly marked and straightforward to find on foot.
Did you know?
This was the first museum of its kind anywhere in the world, focusing specifically on how Buddhism spread and developed across Asia. This particular approach makes it special for anyone wanting to understand how religions grow and differ from region to region.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Kandy).
Temple of the Tooth
140 m
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
5.6 km
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
566 m
Kandy Lake
356 m
Lankatilaka Vihara
10.8 km
Gadaladeniya Vihara
10.2 km
Royal Palace of Kandy
38 m
Bogambara Prison
750 m
Malwathu Maha Viharaya
541 mHelga's Folly
1.2 km
Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara
2.8 km
Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya
1.3 km
Polgolla Barrage
3 km
Wales Park
623 m
President's Pavilion
3.4 km
National Museum of Kandy
220 m
Temple of the Tooth Museum
259 m
Kandy Clock Tower
696 m
Kandy War Cemetery
3.9 km
Kandy Post Office
1.1 km
St. Paul's Church, Kandy
124 m
Bogambara Stadium
889 m
Ceylon Tea Museum
3 km
Suisse Hotel
741 mLake View Park International Scout Centre
4.9 km
Highway Museum complex
7.1 km
Giragama Walawwa
535 m
Empire Hotel, Kandy
240 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes