The National Museum of Colombo, Colombo (must see)

The National Museum of Colombo is Sri Lanka’s premier cultural institution and a must-visit for anyone eager to explore the island’s rich history and heritage. The museum was established in 1877 by British Governor Sir William Henry Gregory. Its grand neoclassical building, with white colonnades and spacious galleries, immediately conveys the importance of the collections housed within.

The ground floor introduces you to Sri Lanka’s prehistoric and early history. To the left of the foyer, the Prehistory and Early History Gallery displays stone tools, early metal artifacts, and items recovered from archaeological excavations across the island. Moving further in, the Buddhist Art and Sculpture Galleries feature stone and bronze Buddha statues, Bodhisattva figures, and architectural fragments from ancient temples, providing insight into the island’s religious and artistic traditions.

At the center of the ground floor, the Kandyan Gallery is one of the museum’s highlights. Here, you can admire the royal regalia of the Kandyan monarchs, including the throne, crown, ceremonial swords, and court costumes. The gallery’s rich wood paneling and central display cases make it easy to locate. Adjacent exhibits display traditional masks, ritual objects, and ceremonial attire, reflecting both court life and folk practices.

On the first floor you'll find galleries dedicated to ethnography, manuscripts, and colonial history. The Manuscripts Gallery preserves ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, while the Traditional Arts Gallery showcases folk masks, ceremonial objects, and cultural artifacts from across Sri Lanka. Pay attention to the signage – it will guide you through the museum in chronological order, from prehistory to the Kandyan period and beyond.

Don't miss the gift shop, located near the entrance. The gift shop offers souvenirs, books, handicrafts, and replicas of museum artifacts, allowing visitors to take a piece of Sri Lankan heritage home.

The museum is also surrounded by well-maintained landscaped gardens, featuring manicured lawns, tropical trees, and decorative flower beds. You can access the gardens directly through the main gate or exiting through the side doors of the the central foyer.