World Buddhist Museum
World Buddhist Museum
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Sri Dalada Maligawa Established the "World Buddhist Museum" which constitutes the Most adorable exercise in the context of World Buddhism. Awarded 2x Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. NOTE : Entry fee is free of charge only for the visitors who purchased the Temple Ticket. If you are visit the Museum from outside you need to purchase the ticket (Rs. 500).
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
258 reviews
Excellent
119
Very good
99
Average
31
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Kipkem H
19 contributions
Apr 2022
As a person who has visited Buddhist Temples through out other parts of Asia, this museum offered a comprehensive view of Buddhism of Asia. The exhibits were detailed (though a little repetitive) of Buddhism in various countries in Asia. Everything from the representation of the Buddha, the different schools of Buddhism and some differences in practices. Well worth visiting before visiting the Sacred Temple of the Tooth.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adam K
14 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Learned so much. I had no idea how diverse and broad Buddhism was. On top of the expected history of the creation of Buddhism and its concepts and teachings, it illustrates how Buddhism is practices and revered in various counties across Asia and the slight differences and commonalities between them. Fascinating stuff.
Written December 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Harlie R
Shenzhen, China100 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Included in price of Temple of Tooth. You could easily spend 2 hours here reading everything, even if you rush through it’s still an hour. Don’t skip it, it’s really cool and the museum is unique and well maintained.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CKF
CT2,196 contributions
Dec 2019
The World Buddhist Museum is a bit hard to find. It claims to be on the grounds of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, but you actually go through a gate with a guard to access the right area. No good signage to get you there.
Upon arrival, you will need to remove your shoes. We thought the design was interesting: the museum featured a room highlighting how Buddhism is practiced in various Buddhist countries, such as India, Cambodia, Laos, and Sri Lanka. Very nice displays but I was not able to learn why there are differences among the countries' practices.
Entrance to this museum is included in your Temple of the Sacred Tooth ticket, so worth a look when you are there.
Upon arrival, you will need to remove your shoes. We thought the design was interesting: the museum featured a room highlighting how Buddhism is practiced in various Buddhist countries, such as India, Cambodia, Laos, and Sri Lanka. Very nice displays but I was not able to learn why there are differences among the countries' practices.
Entrance to this museum is included in your Temple of the Sacred Tooth ticket, so worth a look when you are there.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mll351
New York City, NY234 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
Summary: Your relative happiness with this museum relates to expectations and how much 500LKR means to you. I got what I wanted out of it, but removing a star only because I think that I don't represent everyone.
WHAT THE MUSEUM IS: The museum is a collection curated by each contributing country around the world that has a long history of Buddhism. The first floor is split with a general overview of Buddha and a number of Central Asia's booths. Upstairs you get SE and East Asia. The museum gives a brief history of Buddhism for each contributing nation and shows you the sites that are particularly famous in each country's landscape.
WHAT THE MUSEUM IS NOT: Low rating reviews can be divided into 3 groups. The first, takes issue that the museum is not indepth enough. I would recommend these people just use this museum as an overview and then actual go and visit these countries if you're that passionate. The second group, feels that there is some misrepresentation that has happened for a given country, for example China. I would remind individuals that Buddhism is not about forcing others to their will. I'm glad they did not use this museum to become political and thus alienate, only to educate. The third group feels that there is some sort of agenda that was espoused. I did not see it. Mostly, I saw a great exhibit that added places to my travel list.
THE VIBE: I thought everyone was pleasant. The museum is requires quiet. Most people adhered to this. Likely for this reason there isn't a lot of talking/guides/etc. Buddhism is about self- contemplation and this museum adheres to that. Shoes off is very buddhist as is no pictures. I think those that cringed on all these things, likely have too little experience with this religion.
LANGUAGES: Most stuff is in English, Tamil, and Sinhalese. There is SOOO Much reading. There are also videos in the C. Asia exhibits were a nice touch, but other than the one from India, I found them hard to follow. I think perhaps the Buddhist orgs of these two countries might want to work on what they are trying to present and maybe update these videos in the future.
COST: Given the nation's average income and that it's only been at peace for 10 years, this is a great museum. Yes, the foreigners pay more, but I didn't find 500LKR outrageous for what it must cost to keep the lights on and staff paid, particularly in low season. That said, it would be good for the museum to continue to work with other buddhist groups to raise private funding and continue to upgrade the exhibits.
SUGGESTED UPGRADES: Since each nation is contributing, possibly Samsung (one of the main sponsors) can provide an app or some device for which all of the different countries can translate a guided tour of the place. Also, I would love to see them get more artifacts, particularly for C. Asia and China. The rooms were a bit too much text. China in particularly, could modify the way it presents all the text toward more visual demonstration of the way Buddhism has advanced over time. I think the best example of a buddhist museum for this place to draw inspiration might be the Angkor Wat Museum in Cambodia. Also, it would be great, if there was an area outside of the museum that could answer questions that individuals had afterwards. I'm not sure how much funding that would cost... maybe they could partner with a university or something.
FINAL NOTES: I really enjoyed seeing this overview of Buddhism across countries. I don't think people really appreciate what it might even mean to begin to collect an over 5000 year history of the religion and it's variation across such a ridiculously large land mass. The manner in which some of the leaders were able to blend Buddhism with other religions and cultures is truly remarkable, particularly relative to the other major global sects. Great start to a museum. Keep going.
WHAT THE MUSEUM IS: The museum is a collection curated by each contributing country around the world that has a long history of Buddhism. The first floor is split with a general overview of Buddha and a number of Central Asia's booths. Upstairs you get SE and East Asia. The museum gives a brief history of Buddhism for each contributing nation and shows you the sites that are particularly famous in each country's landscape.
WHAT THE MUSEUM IS NOT: Low rating reviews can be divided into 3 groups. The first, takes issue that the museum is not indepth enough. I would recommend these people just use this museum as an overview and then actual go and visit these countries if you're that passionate. The second group, feels that there is some misrepresentation that has happened for a given country, for example China. I would remind individuals that Buddhism is not about forcing others to their will. I'm glad they did not use this museum to become political and thus alienate, only to educate. The third group feels that there is some sort of agenda that was espoused. I did not see it. Mostly, I saw a great exhibit that added places to my travel list.
THE VIBE: I thought everyone was pleasant. The museum is requires quiet. Most people adhered to this. Likely for this reason there isn't a lot of talking/guides/etc. Buddhism is about self- contemplation and this museum adheres to that. Shoes off is very buddhist as is no pictures. I think those that cringed on all these things, likely have too little experience with this religion.
LANGUAGES: Most stuff is in English, Tamil, and Sinhalese. There is SOOO Much reading. There are also videos in the C. Asia exhibits were a nice touch, but other than the one from India, I found them hard to follow. I think perhaps the Buddhist orgs of these two countries might want to work on what they are trying to present and maybe update these videos in the future.
COST: Given the nation's average income and that it's only been at peace for 10 years, this is a great museum. Yes, the foreigners pay more, but I didn't find 500LKR outrageous for what it must cost to keep the lights on and staff paid, particularly in low season. That said, it would be good for the museum to continue to work with other buddhist groups to raise private funding and continue to upgrade the exhibits.
SUGGESTED UPGRADES: Since each nation is contributing, possibly Samsung (one of the main sponsors) can provide an app or some device for which all of the different countries can translate a guided tour of the place. Also, I would love to see them get more artifacts, particularly for C. Asia and China. The rooms were a bit too much text. China in particularly, could modify the way it presents all the text toward more visual demonstration of the way Buddhism has advanced over time. I think the best example of a buddhist museum for this place to draw inspiration might be the Angkor Wat Museum in Cambodia. Also, it would be great, if there was an area outside of the museum that could answer questions that individuals had afterwards. I'm not sure how much funding that would cost... maybe they could partner with a university or something.
FINAL NOTES: I really enjoyed seeing this overview of Buddhism across countries. I don't think people really appreciate what it might even mean to begin to collect an over 5000 year history of the religion and it's variation across such a ridiculously large land mass. The manner in which some of the leaders were able to blend Buddhism with other religions and cultures is truly remarkable, particularly relative to the other major global sects. Great start to a museum. Keep going.
Written May 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HyperboreanTom
Edmonton, Canada43 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
From a museums perspective, this museum is not good. Each exhibit is based on one of the participating Buddhist countries and varies widely in quality and perspective. Each overly dense word panel seems written by a bureaucratic functionary from the embassy with overly careful attention to lauding that country's buddhist tradition. Biases are laid bare: the Thailand exhibit suggests that their King is a Bhoddisatva (a kind of Buddhist saint) and calls him the "King of Kings"; the Tibetan exhibit is a part of the Chinese exhibit and *never once mentions the Dali Lama.* Did you catch that? The "World Buddhist Museum" *does not mention the Dali Lama!
So no, this is not a good museum. it is a terrible museum.
But it is a great experience! As long as you approach it knowing that each exhibit is a state-sponsored piece of propoganda written by people with understanding of museum principles, it becomes an unintentional museum of buddhist propaganda!
The the main entryway's exhibit on the Buddha's teachings was really quite moving - powerful and simple moral messages to live by - which, like Western tradition's Ten Commandment, none of the countries espousing them follow them particularly well.
So no, this is not a good museum. it is a terrible museum.
But it is a great experience! As long as you approach it knowing that each exhibit is a state-sponsored piece of propoganda written by people with understanding of museum principles, it becomes an unintentional museum of buddhist propaganda!
The the main entryway's exhibit on the Buddha's teachings was really quite moving - powerful and simple moral messages to live by - which, like Western tradition's Ten Commandment, none of the countries espousing them follow them particularly well.
Written March 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Sir,
We are very sad to hear that you are not satisfied about your experience at the museum. But wanna thank you for your kind review which is encouraged us to be so good in the future.
Thanks again for your comments.
Hoping to see you soon...
Take Care
Written March 16, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EHinOz
Margate, Australia815 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
This is a quite remarkable museum. It has every imaginable piece of information on each Buddhist country's slant on Buddhism. Yet, remarkably, I was unable to find a single mention anywhere of His Holiness the Dali Lama - a great pity and a huge gap in the knowledge therein. The museum has so much material that it would be impossible to take it all in during a single visit. So either use your first visit as a recce, or pick out just a few countries of interest to visit in detail - naturally, these should include India and Sri Lanka. Do be aware that it can get very hot and oppressive in this building, so choose a time to visit when it is cool
Written December 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Camilla M
17 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
Put off by the throngd of tourists visiting the Temple of The Tooth (as well as the dollar price tag!) I decided to take in the World Buddhist Museum instead and am so glad I did! Located behind the Temple of The Tooth, entrance is only 500LKR and you will be delighted by excellent displays and a lot of information about Buddhism across the world. The souvenir shop is also very reasonably priced and well worth a visit!
Written November 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
amany sadek
Cairo, Egypt22 contributions
Sep 2016
it was fascinating how each country portrayed Buddha just to resemble their race :)
The contributions of so many countries in one place and the nice presentation made the visit really spectacular.
I'd definitely recommend the visit
The contributions of so many countries in one place and the nice presentation made the visit really spectacular.
I'd definitely recommend the visit
Written October 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sonia b
London, UK254 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
We thoroughly loved this museum!!!! Situated behind the Tooth Temple, it covers all Asian countries were Buddhism is practised. The Museum is well organised: visitors have to follow a fixed route - indications are very clear!! The exhibits which include models of sacred buildings, maps, photographs as well as sacred objects and sacred texts are well presented and accompanied by detailed information!! What is more: it is not full with tourists :-) !!! Allow yourself at least 1.5 hour!!! A MUST!!!!
Written February 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
what is the price of ticket for saarc countries visitor....plzz guide hurrily....
Uthpala B
Colombo, Sri Lanka29 contributions
SAARC Country ticket price is Rs. 750...
what is the price of ticket for saarc countries visitor....plzz guide hurrily....
Uthpala B
Colombo, Sri Lanka29 contributions
SAARC Country ticket price is Rs. 750...
World Buddhist Museum (Kandy) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about World Buddhist Museum
- World Buddhist Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Hotels near World Buddhist Museum:
- (0.22 mi) The Radh
- (0.21 mi) Olde Empire Hotel
- (0.34 mi) Hotel Thilanka
- (0.32 mi) Cafe Aroma Inn, Kandy
- (0.32 mi) Pranobaa Home Stay
- Restaurants near World Buddhist Museum:
- (0.25 mi) Sri Krishna Dosai
- (0.26 mi) Mulberry SugarCarb
- (0.14 mi) Queens Pastry Shop
- (0.27 mi) Balaji Dosai
- (0.14 mi) Devon Food Court