When looking for places to explore history and art during your visit to Colombo, consider the magnificence and majesty of one of its fondest locations; the Colombo National Museum!
Overview
Having opened its doors in 1877 with a mere 800 exhibits, the Colombo National Museum has risen to prominence to currently house over 10,000 exhibits and in turn, contains the most important library in Sri Lanka. For those seeking to page through the island’s history and cultural identity, a tour of the premises would be the perfect way to commence journeying through the bustle of Colombo.
Location & appearance
Nestled in Colombo 7 and within convenient reach of the Nelum Pokuna Theatre and Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo which ranks as one of the best hotels in Colombo city, the Museum has etched its presence as the largest of its kind in the country. Bounded by well-manicured lawns and banyan trees, the Colombo National Museum is housed in a 2-storied Italianate building and at its entrance lies a Buddha statue that dates back to between the 4th and 5th century.
Library
Within the 4 walls of the library, a staggering 12 million documents can be poured over which have been collected over 120 years. Worthy of mention are the palm leaf manuscripts that have been written in different languages and deal with aspects of architecture, astrology and folklore.
Main Galleries
Detail and depth are phrases that best describe the main galleries of the Colombo National Museum which pay tribute to the earliest agricultural civilisations coupled with the period of colonial rule in the country. Added to this, one can explore a host of rock inscriptions, coins, jewellery and a slew of watercolour paintings that depict the former colony from the eyes of Englishmen. However, the prized possession is the ornate throne of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last king of Kandy.
