The Dutch Period Museum, Colombo

The Dutch Period Museum looks at life during the Dutch period, from 1656 to 1796, with a focus on daily activities, trade, and administration. The museum is inside a restored Dutch-era building from the 17th century. Its long shape, thick white walls, and clay-tiled roof show how buildings were designed to last and to handle the local climate. A wide front veranda supported by heavy columns provided shade and helped keep the interior cool.

Inside, the rooms display furniture, coins, tools, weapons, maps, and household objects from the Dutch period. Items such as wooden cupboards, tables, and beds reflect European styles, while high ceilings and ventilation gaps show how these designs were adjusted for heat and airflow. The exhibits explain how people lived and worked, including officials, traders, and craftsmen involved in daily colonial life.

Some sections also explain systems introduced by the Dutch, including Roman-Dutch law, which is still used in parts of the legal system today. Other displays focus on trade, especially cinnamon, and the role of the Dutch East India Company in managing ports and resources. The museum is small and easy to walk through, usually taking less than an hour, and visitors are expected to remain quiet and respectful.