Colombo National Museum
Colombo National Museum
4
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
This museum of Asian civilizations is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka.
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- AnuradhaNew Delhi, India1,406 contributionsGood museumMostly well maintained with array of objects like sculpture, paintings, textiles, art forms and various other objects. Throws light on Sri Lanka history, however doesn’t address much about colonial period except for a few rock samples and other objects. You need at least 2 hours as it’s quite big. One gets tempted to buy combined ticket with National Museum of Natural history, the other one is not so good, can be avoided.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 21, 2024
- CHD6265Odiham, United Kingdom463 contributionsDidn’t have time to fully appreciate but seems comprehensive - would prefer to focus on what is unique to Sri LankaStruggled for time as we were part of a hotel arranged visit in which we had just 40 mins to whizz around. Place seemed to have a lot of interest- including a room dedicated to displaying items taken by the Dutch and returned years later. Another with a throne taken by the English and returned years later (theme emerging?)Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 29, 2024
- Lonely Laowai174 contributionsFocus on the first halfGreat museum that can last anywhere from thirty minutes to three hours, depending on interests. Majority of interesting exhibitions are in the first few rooms and it tapers off a lot afterwards, so if pressed for time focus on the first third or so. It is bigger than it looks.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 20, 2024
- Linda G20 contributionsFading GrandeurSome really good displays of Sri Lanka's history, culture and environment, but let down by some poor lighting and patchy display information. The building itself is grand and you get to walk some of the verandahs between museum display rooms. Some of the artefacts recently returned from the Netherlands were particularly interesting. Don't miss the throne room.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 18, 2024
- David-Dibs-BishopRochester, United Kingdom1,349 contributionsSome interesting exhibits but some parts were pretty blandWe visited as part of our tour of Sri Lanka We were told no photography which wasn't a problem. We were shown around by our guide which was useful as he added his own insights and views. The museum itself is an impressive building with pretty impressive grounds. We wandered in and it was pretty warm, there were fans set up to try and keep the building a bit cooler. There were a lot of different artifacts however there was a lot of seemingly repetitive and underwhelming items on display too. There seemed a lot of coins and the like as well as a whole section devoted to masonry with carvings and while there were probably people wanting to see them it seemed like an awful lot of similar items. There were collections various collections. Some more interesting than others. There was an animatronic display which was quite good too. This for me was very much a one visit location. Highlight was the Ice cream we had during our visit. as well as a Leopard photography display. We popped in and while it was a bit warm with no air con this was actually quite interesting.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 21, 2024
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Popular mentions
4.0
1,347 reviews
Excellent
332
Very good
557
Average
337
Poor
91
Terrible
30
Kate & Bart
27 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I enjoy visiting national museums when I am travelling because I believe this always widens your perspective of wherever you are and takes you beyond just „sightseeing”. Shame that’s just not the case with this museum :-( It’s quite disappointing and (sorry to say) boring in fact, given the rich history of Sri Lanka. The tickets are 1000LKR for an adult and if you come too close to closing time you are allowed entrance only to the ground floor. Fair enough, but why charge full price for that? There is no A/C so if you do choose to go, don’t do it midday... Better yet - skip the place altogether and buy yourself a good book on the history of Sri Lanka.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dani C
Bequia162 contributions
Feb 2020
We came to the National Museum towards the end of the day, in hopes of finding out a little more about the country and to see some of the artifacts illustrating the history. The space itself is vast and quite old. It is a cavernous series of connected rooms cooled only by standing fans, filled with objects and art kept in old cases with glass panes. We saw lovely original pieces and some reproductions with the originals held by the colonist countries still (very sad). The larger general descriptions were well written and helpful, but the objects themselves were only labeled with no identifying facts, which I found frustrating. There were also a number of displays that were dated (lifesized dioramas of jungle scenes with sound effects, etc...). We walked and walked (quickly to get upstairs before the 4pm closing time for upper floors) and were stuck behind a large tour group part of the time, which was very frustrating as they stood in front of important pieces, not moving to let others in to see. I think this is an important landmark and tourist destination that would benefit with major updates to the displays. There is also a sense that the objects are not benefiting from the spaces they are kept in (wondering how they are damaged by the heat/light/etc...). If you have time and the entrance fee, it is worth a visit.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bhaskar_10
New Delhi, India3,121 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited on 22/February/2020
Entry Fee applicable
This place was one of the visit places in the Colombo tour itinerary and this place gives you a understanding of the history of Colombo, its establishment and so on.
Displays are interesting and of interest for all those who love to know in-depth about the place of visit.
If this makes you interested then do visit.
Entry Fee applicable
This place was one of the visit places in the Colombo tour itinerary and this place gives you a understanding of the history of Colombo, its establishment and so on.
Displays are interesting and of interest for all those who love to know in-depth about the place of visit.
If this makes you interested then do visit.
Written April 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike255100
Melbourne, Australia243 contributions
Feb 2020
The museum has 15 major displays over two floors of a series of interconnected colonial buildings. We got through the lot but took a break at the cafe next door - you can exit and return at no extra charge. The toilets are located there, too.
We enjoyed the visit - the coins and early trade discussions were particularly interesting. The throne was impressive, too.
It seemed odd that there was not more attention given to the colonial period. Yes, it was mentioned in places but there was not a specific section.
As others have mentioned, it is not air conditioned and the odd tourist group distrupted the otherwise peace and quiet.
It is certainly a grand building from the outside and it is good that it has been retained
We enjoyed the visit - the coins and early trade discussions were particularly interesting. The throne was impressive, too.
It seemed odd that there was not more attention given to the colonial period. Yes, it was mentioned in places but there was not a specific section.
As others have mentioned, it is not air conditioned and the odd tourist group distrupted the otherwise peace and quiet.
It is certainly a grand building from the outside and it is good that it has been retained
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivan
London, UK115 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
If you are visiting Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, then a visit to the Colombo National Museum is a must. It's a fascinating treasure trove and you can learn so much of Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage - my friends brought me here virtually as soon as I landed in Colombo. The highlight for me is seeing the majestic throne and crown of the King of Sri Lanka. The Museum is good value for money - if you are wanting to find out more about this island with deep insights into the history, heritage, culture of the peoples of Sri Lanka ,then I would highly recommend a visit here. You ought to spend at least half a day which I did. If you feel hungry, there is a food outlet outside the Museum serving Sri Lankan rice and curry and other food. I learnt so much by walking into this place - it brought alive Sri Lanka's rich history.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenny j
Canberra, Australia27 contributions
Feb 2020
Easy to find your way through the exhibition as there are clear signposts throughout guiding you to each gallery. The exhibits and information provided give a good insight into centuries of Sri Lankan history. We visited after a 2 week trip around Sri Lanka and our visit helped to cement and make sense of what we had seen on our trip. Worth visiting.
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tdewolf
Chiang Mai, Thailand49 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We were fascinated by the extensive and breathtaking artifacts displayed in the National Museum. A large colonial style building houses the national collection of Sri Lankan history. Cannot say enough about the quality and the layout of the museum. It was beautiful. The whole of Sri Lankan history (and prehistoric history as well) was presented over many floors and large galleries. We were blown away with the artistry and evolution of the island. A great first stop in Colombo and a must see location.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
springbank
Greve, Denmark3,883 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We weren’t blown away, but it’s a nice museum. It is located in a nice, old House built 150 years ago by the British. You can see the items from the prehistoric age, the iron a age, lots of Buddha skulptures, old paintings, stone sculptures, Ganesha sculptures, old clothes and jewelrys, agriculture from the past and coins for example. We missed exhibits from the last 100 years. But overall it was interesting. No air-condition is available, only fans.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yenzemz
Hanoi, Vietnam5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This was a genuinely pleasant surprise - a beautiful 19th century building, overflowing with treasures from Sri Lanka's past from prehistory to the present day. Our kids (4 and 7) loved wandering the halls looking at the exhibits. (Don't forget to pop into the park next door afterwards to rest your weary legs and watch the world / squirrels / parkeets / fruitbats go by!)
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MattwalesNorthWales
Chengdu, China2,424 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This is not a modern museum, most of the exhibits, whilst interesting are displayed in a very "old school" way. If you are expecting technology and interactivity don't bother, but if you are seeking information about this remarkable country you'll get it in spades.
This museum is next door to the Natural History Museum so you can save money by buying a combined ticket.
This museum is next door to the Natural History Museum so you can save money by buying a combined ticket.
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colombo National Museum last visit did not allow camera allows mobile phones conditions change
Written August 19, 2019
chaitraliakulkarni
Pune, India
which construction material is used for the museum?
Written November 19, 2017
Yes, the building was constructed with bricks and masonary. If you wand further details visit, museum.gov.lk
See bellow is a General Description .
The Colombo Museum as it was called at the beginning was
established on 1st January 1877. It founder was Sir William
Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
at the time. The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental
in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his appointment as
Governor in 1872 the need for a public museum with much
difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained
within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department,
J.G. Smither was able to prepare the plans for new structure
on Italian architectural style. The construction was completed
in 1876 and the Museum commenced it functions in the following year.
Written November 20, 2017
The entrance fee in the museum is 600 srilanka rupees for the foreigners. For srilankans it's very cheap I think 100 only. The rate for camera is 250 separate.
Written August 3, 2017
It is opened on seven days of the week except declared special holidays by the government (eg: Poya Day = Full moon day)
Written January 16, 2017
I would like to know which is the architectural style of the Colombo National Museum building (we were informed it was built in 1877, and the Museum founder was Sir William Herny Gregory)
Written March 8, 2016
The Colombo museum as it was called at the beginning was established on 1 January 1877. It founder was Sir William Henry Gregory the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time. The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his appointment as Governor in 1872 the need for a public Museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department, J. G. Smither was able to prepare the plans for new structure on Italian Architectural style. The construction was completed in 1876 and the Museum commenced it functions in the following year.
The construction of the Museum was carried out by Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar (born 1829, died 1925, aka Wapchi Marikar Bass, who was descended from the Sheiq Fareed family who arrived in Ceylon in 1060 AD), paternal grandfather of Sir Razik Fareed, Kt., JPUM, OBE, MP (born, 29 December 1893, died 23 August 1984). Wapchi Marikar Bass was the builder of the General Post Office in Colombo, Colombo Customs, Old Town Hall in Pettah, Galle Face Hotel, Victoria Arcade, Finlay Moir building, the Clock Tower, Batternburg Battery and many other buildings that are still standing today (2011). The Old Town Hall in Pettah, which is now a busy market, was built on a contract for the sum of 689 Sterling Pounds.
Heiyantuduwa Raja (elephant) Skeleton at
National Museum of Colombo, Sri Lanka
In January 1877, the completed building of the Colombo Museum was declared open by Governor Gregory, in the presence of a large crowd, amongst which there were many Muslims present. At the end of the ceremony, the governor asked Arasi Marikar Wapchi Marikar what honour he wished to have for his dedication. He asked the same question of the carpenter who assisted Wapchi Marikar with the woodwork of the Museum, who requested and was awarded a local rank. Wapchi Marikar requested that the museum be closed on Fridays, the Muslim sabbath; this request was granted and maintained, although the Museum later much opened on all days except public holidays[2]
When the throne of the last Kandyan King was to be exhibited at the Museum, the then Prime Minister, Mr. D.S.Senanayake, obtained the consent of Sir Razik Fareed, Wapchi Marikar’s grandson, to keep the Museum open on the intervening Fridays only.
During the period between 1877 and 1999, the authorities of the museum took various steps to display the cultural and natural heritage of the country for this purpose. Several other wings were added from time to time under the direction of Dr. Arthur Willey and Dr. Joseph Pearson new structures were built during the period of Dr. P. E. P. Deraniyagala, Dr. P. H. D. H. de Silva and Sirinimal Lakdusinghe. One of the natural history museum, and yet another consists of the auditorium. These buildings would facilitate the extension of the library ethnological and Anthropological studies, etc.
Written March 10, 2016
when was the National Museum built? By whom?
the actual building has always been a museum?
Written March 7, 2016
This was built on the 01st of January, 1877. The founder is Sir William Henry Gregory. The actual building was built for a museum of course.
Written March 8, 2016
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