National Art Gallery, Colombo

The National Art Gallery opened in 1932 and was one of the first public spaces in the country dedicated to art. It was created during the late colonial period, when local artists were starting to gain wider attention. Over time, the gallery became known for showing portraits of kings and political leaders, landscape paintings, and modern Sri Lankan art, including works linked to groups such as the ’43 Group.

The building has a simple layout with high ceilings and wide halls made for showing paintings and sculptures. Since around 2013, the gallery has often been closed because of maintenance problems. From late 2025 into 2026, it has been under a large upgrading and conservation project led by the Sri Lanka Navy. Plans to reopen were delayed, and extra government funding was approved in September 2025 to finish the work. Visitors should check official sources for the latest opening information.

When the gallery has been partly open in recent years, visitors have noted poor upkeep of some artworks, including water damage, mold, and scratched surfaces. Missing labels, titles, and dates have also made the displays hard to understand. Although the gallery is historically important, its condition in 2026 does not fully match its original role.