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National Museum of Colombo

Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka

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A first look

Approach National Museum of Colombo in Colombo as a living place, not a stamp in a passport. The stone keeps older stories; the courtyard keeps today’s feet.

Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Museum in 1896

Museum in 1896

Sculpture of the Buddha located at the entrance of the museum.(Toluwila statue)

Sculpture of the Buddha located at the entrance of the museum.(Toluwila statue)

Heiyantuduwa Raja (elephant) Skeleton at National Museum of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Heiyantuduwa Raja (elephant) Skeleton at National Museum of Colombo, Sri Lanka

History and meaning

Founded in 1877 and maintained by the Department of National Museums, it holds collections of significant importance to Sri Lanka, such as the regalia of the Kandyan monarchs, as well as many other exhibits relating the country's cultural and natural heritage.

Being there

The Colombo National Museum, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, is a museum in Colombo and the largest in Sri Lanka. Listed stays nearby appear on the Colombo hub when hosts publish. If a house is not on SoloRoost, we do not invent it.

Practical notes

  • Shoulders and knees covered at shrines; shoes off where the stone asks. Photography rules change at the inner rooms — watch for signs.
  • Tickets, if any, are sold on site. We do not publish a price that will be wrong next season.
  • For a walking commentary — names, layers of history, and what to look at as you go — download StoryPGT from ervanta.com.

Walk it with a voice guide

For a fuller tour — history, what to notice as you walk, and a guide in your ear — download StoryPGT, Ervanta’s voice book guide. Download StoryPGT. Install the app, then open this place when you are on the ground.