National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum is one of two museums in Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government. The museum holds contains a collections of much importance to Sri Lanka such as the regalia of the country, including the throne and crown of the Kandayan monarchs as well as many other exhibits telling the story of ancient Sri Lanka.

A good place to visit and gain the knowledge. An entrance ticket needs to be purchased. Main entrance ticket can be used for both National Museum & National Museum of Natural History. The place was not crowded though it was a weekday noon hours. Staff members were supportive and friendly. Every exhibit item was explained in trilingual. Instructions which needs to be followed are mentioned on every section. Covid guidelines followed. Parking spaces available.

The pricing is very decent for Lankans but for foreigners it's an overkill at 1500 vs 120 for the locals. The museum itself is big and huge. They do have lot of placements in around 15 galleries. Quite a lot speaking about human and Lankan culture. They could add few more common seating space inside especially given the walking distance inside also few more fans.

The place is really big and has many historical information it is like a maze because they made it intentionally like that so you can see everything then you leave. The gallery art section needed some light it was so dimmed we couldn’t really enjoy the painting. Some other sections need AC it was very hot. Videos are not allowed but pictures are which doesn’t make any sense.

Visiting this museum was an enlightening experience, perfect for those who appreciate history and culture. With a diverse range of exhibits categorized into 15 fascinating sections, including weapons, textiles, gems, architecture, and paintings, the museum offers a comprehensive glimpse into both Sri Lankan and global heritage. Set aside at least 2-3 hours for the visit, as the museum is extensive and each exhibit deserves attention. The artifacts, both local and international, are thoughtfully displayed, providing an immersive journey through different eras and cultures. As for practical details, we paid our entrance fee in cash. It's good to note that card payment availability wasn't clear, so carrying cash might be more convenient. Overall, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of history and art. It's an educational and engaging experience for all ages.

Great to place to get a good idea about the Sri Lankan history and its civilizations. Good option over a weekend in Colombo especially if you're looking for places to explore. Good ambience both outside and inside especially if you're into photography.

One of the most valuable place in Sri Lanka, situated in the heart of Colombo which included thousands of artifacts to see and cannot study all at a whole day. It consists of two main museums including Colombo National Museum and National Museum of Natural History. Internal Canteen is available with reasonable prices. Opens everyday from 9am to 5pm (except public holidays).

Good place, many interesting exhibits. But unfortunately, more than half of the halls are now closed. The museum building was built by the British in the late 19th century, and it still looks beautiful and monumental. There is also a beautiful small courtyard near the museum where you can relax from the heat and appreciate the architecture of the museum. There is a cafeteria near the museum, as well as another museum - the Museum of Natural History. For foreigners, the ticket costs 1200 RS. If you want to visit the second museum as well, it is better to buy a special combo ticket(around 1500RS), so as not to buy two tickets separately. Also, neither the museum nor the cafe had water, so it is better to buy it in advance.

Wonderful museum with very detailed descriptions in English. The exhibits are old but well put together. The building itself is amazing and gives the museum an old world charm. Think The Egyptian Museum in Cairo but with good descriptions and less dust. Enjoyed the section at the beginning on bringing back stollen pieces from colonial times. Well done and informative. The British should take some notes from the Dutch.

The Colombo National museum was established on January 1, 1877 by the then British Governor of Ceylon – Sir William Henry Gregory. The Colombo National Museum is the largest museum in Sri Lanka and is a treasure trove of knowledge. The National Museum has on display various documents, artifacts and exhibits like the throne and crown of the monarchs of Kandy. The Colombo National Museum tells the story of Sri Lanka before and after the British Colonists came here. Opening Closing Time 9 am to 6 pm everyday | Closed on: Public Holidays Entrance Fee Child - Rs. 15 : : Adult – Rs. 25 | Foreigners: Child – Rs. 300 : : Adult – Rs. 500 Location 854 Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo

The National Museum of Natural History is an unique museum in Sri Lanka as it showcase natural science specimens. It preserves animals, birds and other creatures. Rare stuffs such as skeleton of blue whale and ruins of extinct animals are notable. Also it keeps ancient life styles' ruins. It's very useful to students. Fare is reasonable.

Great place visit in your free times. Parking is available. There are 2 parts of the museum. Natural History and Sri Lanka History. You have to buy tickets for each section. Price is 60LKR. It will take around 4 hours to explore the entire museum in detail. Otherwise it will take around 2 hours. Souvenir shop is also there, that you can buy souvenirs and books for reasonable price. There is a canteen you can buy meals and drinks. Overall great experience and highly recommended to visit there around 10AM to 12PM.

I recently visited the Colombo National Museum, and I was absolutely blown away by the depth of history and culture it offers. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt like I was embarking on a journey through time. The museum's collection is extensive and varied, covering everything from ancient artefacts to more recent cultural items. The displays are thoughtfully arranged, providing a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka's fascinating past. I particularly enjoyed exploring the archaeological section, where I could see intricate statues, pottery, and other relics that showcased the country's ancient civilizations. I spent about 2 hours at the museum and I could have easily spent more time. The museum also offers detailed explanations and descriptions alongside each exhibit, providing valuable insights into the significance and context of the artefacts. The information provided was educational and helped me better understand the cultural and historical significance of what I was seeing. The staff at the Colombo National Museum were friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and offer additional information. Their passion for preserving Sri Lanka's heritage was evident and added to the overall experience. The building itself is beautiful, with its colonial architecture and well-maintained grounds. The museum's layout is easy to navigate, and there are ample seating areas where visitors can take a break and reflect on what they have seen. If you're visiting Colombo, I highly recommend a visit to the Colombo National Museum. It is a treasure trove of knowledge and a must-visit for anyone interested in Sri Lanka's rich history. I left feeling inspired and with a deeper appreciation for the country's cultural heritage.

Good place to visit in Colombo if you like history and culture. The museum showcases the history of Sri Lanka. There is a Laksala shop where you can by souvenir and there are other stuff also. Cloths seems to be responsibly priced.

One of the best places to get a good idea of the history of Sri Lanka with many interesting exhibits. This building was built by the British in the 19th century. It also has a calm environment and a good cafeteria. Colombo has two museums namely the National Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. Tickets cost Rs. 60 per local child and Rs. 120 per local adult. A must visit place for every tourist.

Dead Place. It is very big. There are many things to see. There are things to see even during the day. There were no tourists🤷‍♂️ On August 30, 2022, the price of the ticket is 150🎟️.

I visited on a Sunday and there were not much crowded. It took me 2 hours to see the entire section. Canteen and washroom facilities available outside the building. Photography allowed inside the building but not the video recording.

Things to keep in mind- 1- they have a combined ticket for both the National museum & natural history museum. It is economic to buy only if u have enough time in your hand & you are genuinely interested in museums. 2- avid knowledge seekers may take more than 3 hrs time here. So plan accordingly. 3- there is an art gallery outside but near by this campus. While we inquired ,it was closed due to renovation. But ask once & try to visit of possible. 4- the near by road had many oil painting sellers. You can buy one. 5- last but not the least, go thru the museum & have some knowledge. Just don't roam around only for instagrammable pics.

One of the best place to get a good idea about the history of Sri Lanka. The museum collection spread around two floors mainly 15 different sections which was easy to follow. Museum is covered with the long heritage of Sri Lanka. This is one of the must visit place in Colombo.

Beautiful museum the oldest historical collection very good. I like

I want to be honest. It was a beautiful place. But They didn't let us to watch fully. Google said they will open until 4:00 pm and we watched their ticket to sure that, their ticket showed us it will be open until 5:00 pm. I have add that photo of that ticket below. They said to leave us from 3:00 which was so disappointing. After that we left. We didn't watch most. I'm giving 2 stars because of that place was beautiful.

As the current exhibitions were less interesting to us (mostly pictures, photos), we only looked at the exterior, the garden and the souvenir shop in the nearby building. The latter is cheaper than most TUKK-TUKK drivers take you to, and fixed prices provide a good basis for future purchases. The park around the building is being developed, with sculptures erected around the garden areas.

As good as any other national museum. The old colonial building is noteworthy. The artifacts and displays are seggragated as per era and geographical place in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, into 15 different halls. It can take between 1 to 3 hrs to cover, depending on your interest levels. Worth visiting. From Neolithic to present day, all aspects are displayed.

Very informative museum in Colombo to understand their history and roots. However, wish there were more facilities like an audio visual that museums have that explain everything in detail to visitors. All in all, it’s a well maintained museum.

The Colombo National Museum is a treasure trove of Sri Lanka's rich history and cultural heritage. It houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, sculptures, and regalia, providing a captivating glimpse into the country's past. The museum's architecture is equally impressive, with its colonial-era charm adding to the overall experience. The well-curated exhibits and informative displays make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Sri Lanka's history and culture.

Museum that can take some info about telecommunication

The largest museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum of Colombo was established in January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the then British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Currently maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government, the museum is home to a lot of important collections, including the crown and throne of the Kandyan monarchs. The galleries are as old as 1877, and you shall find all sorts of ancient art, carvings, and statues from Sri Lanka’s past along with a collection of antique demon masks. You can also find guns, swords, and other things from the colonial times. If you love art, you are totally in for a treat as the gallery also has in display 19th-century reproductions of English paintings of Sri Lanka. On display are the royal throne made for King Wimaladharmasuriya II in 1693, the 9th-century bronze Bodhisattva Sandals, and much more. And that is not all. There are agricultural displays and many more things that are sure to grab your attention and leave a mark in your memories.

National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum is one of two museums in Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government. The museum holds contains a collections of much importance to Sri Lanka such as the regalia of the country, including the throne and crown of the Kandyan monarchs as well as many other exhibits telling the story of ancient Sri Lanka. The Colombo Museum, as it was called at the beginning, was established on 1 January 1877. Its founder was Sir William Henry Gregory the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time.[3] The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his appointment as governor in 1872 the need for a public Museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department, James George Smither (1833–1910)[3] was able to prepare the plans for new structure on Italian Architectural style. The construction was completed in 1876 and the museum commenced it functions in the following year. The construction of the museum was carried out by Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar[3] (1829–1925, aka Wapchi Marikar, who was descended from the Sheiq Fareed family who arrived in Ceylon in 1060), paternal grandfather of Sir Razik Fareed. Wapchi Marikar was the builder of the General Post Office in Colombo, Colombo Customs, Old Town Hall in Pettah, Galle Face Hotel, Victoria Arcade, Finlay Moir building, the Clock Tower, Batternburg Battery and many other buildings that are still standing today (2011). The Old Town Hall in Pettah, which is now a busy market, was built on a contract for the sum of 689 Sterling Pounds. In January 1877, the completed building of the Colombo Museum was declared open by Governor Gregory, in the presence of a large crowd, amongst which there were many Muslims present. At the end of the ceremony, the governor asked Wapchi Marikar what honour he wished to have for his dedication. He asked the same question of the carpenter S.M. Perera who was responsible for the woodwork of the museum, who requested and was awarded a local rank. Marikar requested that the museum be closed on Fridays, the Muslim sabbath; this request was granted and maintained, although the museum later much opened on all days except public holidays. When the throne of the last Kandyan King was to be exhibited at the museum, the then prime minister, Mr. D.S. Senanayake, obtained the consent of Sir Razik Fareed, Wapchi Marikar’s grandson, to keep the museum open on the intervening Fridays only.

The National Museum of Natural History is a museum that covers the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. The museum is located closer to the National Museum of Colombo. It was established on September 23, 1986 and became only one museum in Sri Lanka that represents natural history and natural heritage.[1] The Colombo Museum, as it was called at the beginning, was established on 1 January 1877. Its founder was Sir William Henry Gregory the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time.[3] The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his appointment as governor in 1872 the need for a public Museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department, James G. Smither (1833–1910)[3] was able to prepare the plans for new structure on Italian Architectural style. The construction was completed in 1876 and the museum commenced it functions in the following year. The construction of the museum was carried out by Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar[3] (1829–1925, aka Wapchi Marikar, who was descended from the Sheiq Fareed family who arrived in Ceylon in 1060), paternal grandfather of Sir Razik Fareed. Wapchi Marikar was the builder of the General Post Office in Colombo, Colombo Customs, Old Town Hall in Pettah, Galle Face Hotel, Victoria Arcade, Finlay Moir building, the Clock Tower, Batternburg Battery and many other buildings that are still standing today (2011). The Old Town Hall in Pettah, which is now a busy market, was built on a contract for the sum of 689 Sterling Pounds. In January 1877, the completed building of the Colombo Museum was declared open by Governor Gregory, in the presence of a large crowd, amongst which there were many Muslims present. At the end of the ceremony, the governor asked Wapchi Marikar what honour he wished to have for his dedication. He asked the same question of the carpenter S.M. Perera who was responsible for the woodwork of the museum, who requested and was awarded a local rank. Marikar requested that the museum be closed on Fridays, the Muslim sabbath; this request was granted and maintained, although the museum later much opened on all days except public holidays[4] When the throne of the last Kandyan King was to be exhibited at the museum, the then prime minister, Mr. D.S. Senanayake, obtained the consent of Sir Razik Fareed, Wapchi Marikar’s grandson, to keep the museum open on the intervening Fridays only.[1]

It's an enriched museum where you should visit with several hours in hand. The closing time is 4pm. You have to buy tickets at the entrance. There are 15 galleries, where you can see the historic evidences of fusion of multiple cultural entities and elements. Buddhism, hinduism, european, chinese as well as muslim cultures thrived on this land on different periods since it was a famous island for trade and commerce routes. You will see many amusing elements of all these amalgam of cultures as well as the native cultural elements and their craftsmen ship.

This is the best place that demonstrates the proud heritage of Sri Lanka. It summarizes the Sri Lankan history that runs back thousands of years. You can witness antiquities, arts and many other historically valuable resources. Place is well maintained and worth visiting either you are a local or a foreigner.

We visited the animal exhibit only. Lots to see in the exhibit, maybe a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour to go through this section. The car park is off Green path, just after the Nelum Pokuna Exits (Opposites Vehara Mahadevi Park)

I have gone past this place daily most of my life, and always wanted to go inside. Finally got the chance when one of my foreign friends wanted to visit it. It's amazing. I would definitely recommend visiting it. Hoping to go back again and spend more time.

This museum is pretty original and provides a comprehensive story of the history of Sri Lanka though various art and artifacts. If you're not able to get to places like Sigiriya on your trip to Sri Lanka then the museum is able to provide you a glimpse of the countries historic sites and artifacts. A good way to spend half a day in Colombo for any history buff.

The Colombo Museum as it was called at the beginning was established on 1st January 1877. It founder was Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time. The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his appointment as Governor in 1872 the need for a public museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department, J.G. Smither was able to prepare the plans for new structure on Italian architectural style. The construction was completed in 1876 and the Museum commenced it functions in the following year. The Authorities of the museum took various steps to display the cultural and natural heritage of the country for this purpose. With the development of the museum to international level, it earned the status of a national museum during the period of Dr. P. E. P. Deraniyagala. He was able to open up branch museums in Jaffna, Kandy and Ratnapura and a full - fledged Department of National Museums was established in 1942 under the act No. 31. The extension of the number of branch museums has now increased to nine and in addition a school science programme and a mobile museum service are also in operation. This process has further been improved by the arrangement of the galleries of the ground floor in a historical sequence and those of the upper galleries on a thematic basis.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL MUSEUM IN COLOMBO ...................... The Colombo Museum, as it was called at the beginning, was established on 1 January 1877. Its founder was Sir William Henry Gregory the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time.[3] The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his appointment as governor in 1872 the need for a public Museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department, James G. Smither (1833–1910)[3] was able to prepare the plans for new structure on Italian Architectural style. The construction was completed in 1876 and the museum commenced it functions in the following year. The construction of the museum was carried out by Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar[3] (1829–1925, aka Wapchi Marikar, who was descended from the Sheiq Fareed family who arrived in Ceylon in 1060), paternal grandfather of Sir Razik Fareed. Wapchi Marikar was the builder of the General Post Office in Colombo, Colombo Customs, Old Town Hall in Pettah, Galle Face Hotel, Victoria Arcade, Finlay Moir building, the Clock Tower, Batternburg Battery and many other buildings that are still standing today (2011). The Old Town Hall in Pettah, which is now a busy market, was built on a contract for the sum of 689 Sterling Pounds. In January 1877, the completed building of the Colombo Museum was declared open by Governor Gregory, in the presence of a large crowd, amongst which there were many Muslims present. At the end of the ceremony, the governor asked Wapchi Marikar what honour he wished to have for his dedication. He asked the same question of the carpenter S.M. Perera who was responsible for the woodwork of the museum, who requested and was awarded a local rank. Marikar requested that the museum be closed on Fridays, the Muslim sabbath; this request was granted and maintained, although the museum later much opened on all days except public holidays[4] When the throne of the last Kandyan King was to be exhibited at the museum, the then prime minister, Mr. D.S. Senanayake, obtained the consent of Sir Razik Fareed, Wapchi Marikar’s grandson, to keep the museum open on the intervening Fridays only.

Loved the place and took little more than 3h to cover the place.

It took 3 hours to finish. You can ask for explanations. Good parking place is there.

A great place to remind us the greatness of the fallen kingdoms of srilanka

There are many things in there

superb place to visit

Well maintained and supervisors everywhere monitoring that no one touches anything that shouldn't be touched. Need at least 5 to 6 hours to see everything with patients. It will be boring for small kids. Carry plenty on water and comfortable shoes as need to walk a lot.

The largest museum in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Great place to learn history of telecommunication in Sri lanka.

Only One place in Sri Lanka to learn the telecommunication history .

Must visit museum in sri Lanka

This is the only place to see the telecommunication history.

Lot of great stuff

Good place

Good

Amazing place to visit for people of all ages. You will be able to experience 160 years of the evolution of communication in Sri lanka. Tickets are priced 50/- for locals and 200/- for foreigners.

If you are a history lover and have a keen eye for architecture, the National Museum is probably one of the first few places to visit in Colombo. Established during 1877, this is the biggest museum in the island nation and is undoubtedly the pride of Sri Lanka. The place houses some of the best and personalised collections of the ancient Kandyan dynasty rulers. Location: The museum built in Italian architecture style, is located right in the heart of the Colombo city. Highlights: The museum’s library deserves special mention as it contains rich manuscripts in palm leaves in languages like Burmese, Sinhala, Telugu, Tamil and much more. Timings: The museum is open on all days except national holidays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Price: Approximate price for local adults and kids are 35 LKR and 20 LKR respectively, whereas, for foreign adults and kids, the prices are 600 LKR and 300 LKR respectively.

a wonderful museum with a large collection of masks, coins, costumes, weapons and a wide variety of household items. I recommend to everyone!

Excellent

(Translated by Google) National Museum of Natural History National Museum of Natural History The National Museum of Natural History was established on September 23, 1986. Although there are many museums in Sri Lanka today, this is the only one in the Museum of Natural History. Can be seen (Original) National Museum of Natural History ජාතික ස්භාවික විද්‍යා කෞතුකාගාරය ජාතික ස්භාවික විද්‍යා කෞතුකාගාරය අරම්භ කරන ලද්දේ 1986 සැප්තැම්බර් 23 වැනි දාය .ලංකාවේ කෞතුකාගාර විශාල ප්‍රමාණයක් වර්තමානයේ දැක ගත හැකි වුවත් ස්භාවික විද්‍යා කෞතුකාගාරයකට ඇත්තේ මෙය පමණි.සත්ව ඇට සැකිලි ,පොසිල, සර්ප විශේෂ සත්ව හම් යොදාගෙන සාදන ලද විවිධ සතුන් වැනි බොහෝ දේ මෙම කෞතුකාගාරය තුල දක්නට ඇත

This museum has got a lot of collections in various topics and this museum is so interesting.

Lot of things to see in Here.. Recommended to spent few hours for this. With in separate floors you can so many things.

Great spot. Lovely old colonial building. Can be a bit warm inside as the fans do struggle a bit but some great exhibits. Take in the mask collection and the Throne. Well worth a few hours.

Good place to see, specially to school students

A good place to study and get information about history of Sri Lanka.

Entry Fee applicable This place was one of the visit places in the Colombo tour itinerary and this place gives you a understanding of the history of Colombo, its establishment and so on. Displays are interesting and of interest for all those who love to know in-depth about the place of visit. If this makes you interested then do visit.

Very beautiful historic location, entry fees is 1k.. knowledgeable place…!!

it is a very good place to know Sri Lanka, but national natural history meusem is not worth of visiting because most of items are just pictures, not real.

The largest museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum of Colombo was established in January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the then British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Currently maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government, the museum is home to a lot of important collections, including the crown and throne of the Kandyan monarchs. Housed in a two-storied building, the museum has a big, well-maintained, lush green lawn right in front that is shaded by mighty banyan trees, which adds to the beauty of the place. As you enter the museum, you shall also find a fourth-century Buddha smiling at you in the lobby. Going forward, you will be mesmerized to find the collections in the museum. The galleries are as old as 1877, and you shall find all sorts of ancient art, carvings, and statues from Sri Lanka’s past along with a collection of antique demon masks. You can also find guns, swords, and other things from the colonial times. If you love art, you are totally in for a treat as the gallery also has in display 19th-century reproductions of English paintings of Sri Lanka. On display are the royal throne made for King Wimaladharmasuriya II in 1693, the 9th-century bronze Bodhisattva Sandals, and much more. And that is not all. There are agricultural displays and many more things that are sure to grab your attention and leave a mark in your memories. In 2022 Jan it close at 3pm. not 4pm

So glad this was our first visit in Sri Lanka. We were able to learn a lot about the history and culture of the place which helped us understand the people a lot more. Fantastic information is contained within this museum which adds to the entire experience of visiting this amazing country. There is a café at the end if you want to restock on refreshments. Id say it would be better to go in the morning as there is no air conditioning.

It's a really great experience to be here, it's huge, I haven't explored it all that well but it's full of rich culture and history. If you are interested in bugs, animals and agriculture in Sri Lanka, it is worth a visit. It has several large skeletons and interesting information about animals such as elephants. Not important related to Sri Lankan history as well as the special features of Sri Lankan divisions can be studied here. This is a place that has won the attraction of foreigners and it is a must visit place for everyone in Sri Lanka.

Beautiful. Spent 3+ hours indulging in Sri Lankan history and was over all an amazing experience. Washrooms need to be more up to date though :D

A spot worth visiting if you are travelling and want to get to know the country even more! Coming from the Netherlands it is very interesting to see old Dutch items in this museum too. Well explained and interesting exhibits.

A good place to visit for visitors looking to learn more about Sri Lanka history and viewing some of the nation’s treasure in one place. Non air-conditioner, visitor must follow pre determined (chronological) path to explore the museum - can’t meander… but you can just walk faster to sections that you are not interested in. Fee for foreigner as of Oct 2023 is 1,200 LKR. Accepts only LKR cash. Closed at 4:30pm, visitors arriving at 4pm can only access 1st level exhibit. Highlights (for me): -Throne and crown of Kandy Kingdom -Artefacts from Anuradhapura -Artefacts from Polonnaruwa -Sculptures (stone, iron, ivory, etc) The colonial building housing these treasures are dilapidated. Hopefully the entrance fees can help to maintain the building and treasures and prevent them from further decay.

(Translated by Google) Nice and well organized museum. The museum is also a souvenir shop, which is like the museum operated by the state. Nice goods and a lot of good prices. During my stay in Sri Lanka I did not come across a better store like this :) (Original) Hezke a dobre udporadane muzeum. U muzea je i upominkovy obchod, ktery je stejne jako muzeun provozovano statem. Hezke zbozi a hodne dobre ceny. Behem pobytu na Sri Lance jsem na lepsi podobny obchod nenarazil :)

This is a place need to improve and need more historically unseen things to be protect and publish for everyone

Exhibits are marvelous and quality. But maintenance of exterior is not standard. Graden is not well landscaped. No proper directions to each and every devisions inside the premises. We had to ask from two persons to locate Natural Science museum due to lack of directions.

Nice place which shows the national heritages of Sri lanka

Most historical place in Sri lanka... we can get know history of Srilanka by the museum.

If you're are a connoisseur of History and especially have an interest in Buddhist History of Sri Lanka you'll love the artefacts and knowledge in display. The adjoining Museum of Natural History featuring the diverse flora & fauna adorning the country is also worth a watch. You can buy a combo ticket for both the museums. If you are a Sri Lankan / have a Resident Permit the combo ticket costs a measly LKR120; however for foreigners the charge shoots upto ten times the cost. Another useful tip is that if you visit in a car, the entrance is through the back side besides the Nelum Pokuna Ampitheatre. There's also a Laksala artefacts shop near the Car Park wherein you can collect some Sri Lankan souvenir - and it costs less than the duty free Laksala Shop at the Airport.

Very good place to study evolution of Hinduism, Buddhism and the strong relationship, India had with Srilanka

Great place in Sri Lanka to visit. stay at least 4 hours. After 25 years I visited it. excellent

Very buttyfull place museum in sri lankan

Fully worth the price many things to see and the staff was nice

Wonderful museum with 15 rooms. Allow a couple hours minimum or 2 days. Only complaint is that the Dutch painting room is way too dark

good place

I visited last year,

(Translated by Google) Museum where equipment, objects, texts, sculptures, masks, etc ... are exhibited, everything you need to understand the culture and tradition of this splendid country. The visit requires at least 2-3 hours of time and in our opinion should be organized at the beginning of the holiday. (Original) Museo dove si trovano esposte attrezzature, oggettistica, testi, sculture, maschere, ecc... tutto il necessario per capire la cultura e la tradizione di questo splendido paese. La visita necessita di almeno 2-3 ore di tempo e a nostro avviso andrebbe organizzata all'inizio della vacanza.

ProuD to be a sri lankan. After visiting this place.

Great place to know the sri lankan history

There are lot to learn and observe

Very interesting

Good place for people who seek knowledge. Especially children. Mostly school trips are planned to visit the museum. Very beautiful Ancient building. Well maintained. You can see the things belong to ancient kingdoms as well as arts, coins... act.

not bad

Its fully filled with nice things.. but staff people dont know anything to explain..

You can see the ancient things of Sri Lanka

Good place to get knowledge about history of Sri Lanka.It has good cool environment and good landscpaing.

Must-visit in Colombo

Grt place to visit for the holidays

This place have a large collection of our heritage.

Its great museum

(Translated by Google) A place to give information, learn stories Of Sri Lanka in terms of history Culture and traditions provide the best general overview. Inside the building, exhibits of appliances Old art Interesting antiques Is a place that should be visited To get to know and understand Sri Lanka More clearly (Original) สถานที่ที่ให้ข้อมูลการเรียนรู้เรื่องราว ของประเทศศรีลังกาในด้านของประวัติศาสตร์ วัฒนธรรมประเพณีให้เห็นภาพรวมอย่างกว้างๆได้ดีที่สุด ภายในอาคารได้จัดแสดงข้าวของเครื่องใช้ งานศิลปะเก่าแก่ วัตถุโบราณที่น่าสนใจ เป็นสถานที่ที่ควรมาเยี่ยมชม เพื่อรับรู้และทำความเข้าใจประเทศศรีลังกา อย่างรอบด้าน ชัดเจนมากขึ้น

Valuable Place 💙

(Translated by Google) Ok, okay (Original) جيد لاباس به

Buttyfull place and nice

National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum is one of two museums in Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government. The Colombo National Museum Library was also established on 1 January 1877 incorporating the Government Oriental Library that had been established in 1870. Since 1885, by law, a copy of every document printed in the country is required to be lodged with the museum library. One of the top attractions of Colombo which includes lots of historical stuffs and stories. Highly recommended to visit.

Interesting

National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum is one of two museums in Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government. The museum holds contains a collections of much importance to Sri Lanka such as the regalia of the country, including the throne and crown of the Kandyan monarchs as well as many other exhibits telling the story of ancient Sri Lanka

One of the top attractions of Colombo which includes lots of historical stuffs and stories. Highly recommended to visit.

Ok

For a Sri Lankan Museum, not bad at all. Quite a few interesting items to look.

(Translated by Google) Well ... without more ... curiosities. (Original) Bien...sin más...curiosidades.

Best experience with history of telecommunications in Sri Lanka

There are so many things to see which are related to Telecommunication history in Sri lanka.

Valuable place to visit.

Our visit to the National Telecommunication Museum @ Meepe.

Very good place to visit with school children.

Lot to Learn from the Past

This place contains precious knowledge about the history of srilanka. Organized in a good way. It will take around 2 hours to view all the contents.

The museum is a splendid property in the heart of Colombo.set among spacious gardens this Colonial styled building has been organized to have different sections based on the history of different ancient Kingdoms . There are also sections on coins, masks, agriculture, flags , clothes etc

The Colombo Museum, as it was called at the beginning, was established on 1 January 1877. Its founder was Sir William Henry Gregory the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time. The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his appointment as governor in 1872 the need for a public Museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department, James G. Smither (1833–1910)[3] was able to prepare the plans for new structure on Italian Architectural style. The construction was completed in 1876 and the museum commenced it functions in the following year. The construction of the museum was carried out by Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar (1829–1925, aka Wapchi Marikar, who was descended from the Sheiq Fareed family who arrived in Ceylon in 1060), paternal grandfather of Sir Razik Fareed. Wapchi Marikar was the builder of the General Post Office in Colombo, Colombo Customs, Old Town Hall in Pettah, Galle Face Hotel, Victoria Arcade, Finlay Moir building, the Clock Tower, Batternburg Battery and many other buildings that are still standing today (2011). The Old Town Hall in Pettah, which is now a busy market, was built on a contract for the sum of 689 Sterling Pounds. In January 1877, the completed building of the Colombo Museum was declared open by Governor Gregory, in the presence of a large crowd, amongst which there were many Muslims present. At the end of the ceremony, the governor asked Wapchi Marikar what honour he wished to have for his dedication. He asked the same question of the carpenter S.M. Perera who was responsible for the woodwork of the museum, who requested and was awarded a local rank. Marikar requested that the museum be closed on Fridays, the Muslim sabbath; this request was granted and maintained, although the museum later much opened on all days except public holidays

Historicals to admire

Must visit...

Great place to learn/gain nautical knowledge

Nice place... Great to see how he had lived, a lot of attention and care is going into this place

A historical place which is situated in General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. The Bangalore of SirJohn Kotelawala is known as this museum now.

Great to see

Great

This is a great way to learn about Sri Lanka’s history and culture. While dated, that adds to its charm. It’s a worthwhile stop - one our guide nearly convinced us to skip since they don’t bring many tourists there, but that does a disservice to many of the wonderful collections there.

nothing has changed for 20 years. the museum should look at introducing AR to enhance the experince of the users.

Located in colombo city.Many antiquities belonging to Sri Lanka have been deposited.

Established during 1877, this is the biggest museum in the island nation and is undoubtedly the pride of Sri Lanka. The place houses some of the best and personalised collections of the ancient Kandyan dynasty rulers. Carrying striking reflections of the Italian style of architecture, the museum houses countless artefacts dating back several centuries, portraying the cultural and natural nuances of the country. Check out the magnificent throne of the last king of Kandi, along with the royal throne of King Wimaladharmasuriya II and pair of Bodhisattva sandals dating back to the 9th century! If you’re a history fanatic or simply curious about the culture of Sri Lanka, a visit to the National Museum of Colombo has ample treats to tickle your fancy.

Well maintained

Great place

Wonderful place

Old time favorite place.

Place to learn Science..

New one.amazing .

Good place.

amazing

Good place for study natural science

It was ok, but too hot.

Friendly staff.There are collections of medicinal herbs,rice varieties and skeletons of many animals.Nicely arranged.Visiting here will be good for science students as there are illustrated and demonstrations about things such as leaf structure,photosynthesis etc.peaceful environment.

Good place to visit nice peace full environment to educated our self

The National Museum of Natural History is the only museum in Sri Lanka that showcases the natural heritage and the diversity of life offered by the island. Situated by the same premises of the Colombo National Museum

Nothing really special. Just dont let any employee stick with u n talk abt nature, they will ask u for money later

It's nice place with lots knowledge.Still has to improve

A great source of historical information.

Have more historical artifacts

A great place for anyone who wants to explore Sri Lankan culture and history. Friendly staff and clean environment. There's a clean canteen and a good up to date health precautions also. A must visit in Colombo City.

Excellent artisan experience with very good explanation on items displayed. Neatly arranged display is period specific which gives a simple knowledge of the countries pre colonial history. The throne room is exquisite

Good spot to see in colombo but you require almost three hours to completely see and read about the things. If you also want to visit Museum of Natural History then you should spare four to five hours.

Better to go there in the morning, They close the 2nd floor after 3PM.

good place

Good place, but it is difficult to find a person to explain.

Interesting Museum divided into sections based on period. Not air conditioned and modernisation may make it even more attractive

Need to spend at least 3 hours in this. There are a lot of things to explore. Take some of your friends too. Tickets are very cheap and the information available is priceless. Staff is also much friendly.

Nice.

Really good museum lots to see could have spend hours inside 1000 rupees to get at the time of writing this worth every bit of that.

Nice visit for having global information of Sri Lanka including: the different capitals, colonisations, coinage, textiles, agriculture, Buddhism, etc. Interesting for 1 hour visit after having travelled across the country. Great building and well preserved gardens!

Quiet boring animal museum, 1200 srilanka money for 2 museums ticket . Looks expensive, need one hr time to visit one museum

Must vist place, iff u want to know the cluture, history and art of srilanka...

Spend a few hours and learn about history of Sri Lanka, Budhists rituals, human evolution, animals and natural history. The only problem is air conditioning. I was there late March and it was really hot and sometimes even hard to breathe. Overall it's worth visisting in case you happen to be in Colombo!

It was nice but it didn't feel organized, and if you go during a hot day you will not enjoy it because it doesn't have air conditioning and although they do have few fans per room not all of then are connected so it's just as hot inside as it is hot outside

The National Museum of Natural History is a museum that covers the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. The museum is located closer to the National Museum of Colombo. It was established on September 23, 1986 and became only one museum in Sri Lanka that represents natural history and natural heritage. This is a large extensive historical museum housed in beautiful colonial buildings that has quite extensive collections in it. The museum has galleries that display Jurassic-period fossils, prehistoric cave paintings, over 5000 specimens of different mammals.

This museum has a good number of exhibits from Sri Lanka portraying Sri Lanka's history and prehistory. The presentation is okay, but air-conditioning the buildings will significantly improve visitors' experience in hot and humid summer days.

Really a great experience to come here, it’s absolutely massive, I didn’t thoroughly explore it all but it’s full of rich culture and history. It cost me (tourist) 1500rs for entry to both the main museum and national history museum, for the price difference, it’s worth getting both if you’re interested in the bugs, animals, and agriculture of Sri Lanka, along with other things, it’s got some huge Skeltons and interesting information can be found about animals like elephants. I got recommended to see the chola bronze sculptures here and I wasn’t disappointed, I had no idea what they were but I can now see the intricacy and mind blowing craftsman ship gone into making the sculptures. Would recommend it to anyone in Colombo 👌😀 I went on a Monday afternoon and it was very quiet, no need to book tickets in advance etc.

There are two parts, we went to the nature museum and it was pretty great, lots of fascinating fossils and very informative. They could have installed an AC though.

As a Colombo resident, I recently had the pleasure of exploring the Colombo National Museum, and I must say it was a delightful experience. Seeking refuge from the scorching mid-day heat, I found solace within the splendid walls of this magnificent two-story structure. For a local the entry fee is 100 rupees. The museum gracefully presents the rich history of Lanka in a meticulously arranged chronology, spanning from prehistoric times to the illustrious Kandyan Period. While it primarily focuses on heritage, it doesn't delve extensively into colonial history and beyond. Fear not, though, as Colombo boasts specialised museums dedicated to those eras. The upper floor of the museum is divided into various themes, including captivating displays of paintings, coins, and textiles, which took me about an hour to explore. The highlight of my visit was the Throne and regalia of the last King of Lanka. What impressed me the most was the comprehensive nature of the descriptions, elegantly presented in English, Sinhala, and Tamil. Navigating through the museum was a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly layout, and the abundance of natural light and ventilation provided a cool and airy ambiance. The museum's grounds outside have ample space and countless trees offering a serene environment. To top it off, there was a reasonably priced café on the side, allowing me to relax and refresh before continuing my cultural journey. Considering my experience, I would confidently rate the Colombo National Museum a solid 9 out of 10. It undoubtedly offers an enriching and visually captivating exploration of Sri Lanka's history, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.

Colombo National Museum, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 is probably one of the most important tourist destination for anybody, who whishes to know about Sri Lanka's evolution history w. r. t. Culture, Traditions, Struggles, Trade, Lifestyle. Especially all SouthAsian Tourists who are visiting Colombo must visit the museum to see the historical journey of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 It's not a Quick Breeze Tour. You must spend Time to Read, See & Experience Historical Sri Lanka in totality at the Colombo National Museum 🙏

A nice place if you are interested in sri lankan heritage. A vast collection of beautiful artifacts. Nature section is a must see. IT IS HOT AS HELL AND WILL TIRE YOU OUT IN MINUTES. PLEASE OR PLEASE INSTALL AN A/C

Needs an upgrade unfortunately 😕 a bit run down and stuffy inside. Some delicates like carved stone, were displayed too close to one another, outside the corridor. A bit risky , especially if someone accidentally falls or knocks on it. Would have loved to see a bit more in the nature section. Dinosaur bones please :) P.s ; the canteen needs an upgrade too. P.p.s ; These photos might be deceiving ;)

Really a great experience to come here, it’s absolutely massive, I didn’t thoroughly explore it all but it’s full of rich culture and history. It cost me (tourist) 1500rs for entry to both the main museum and national history museum, for the price difference (300rs), it’s worth getting both if you’re interested in the bugs, animals, and agriculture of Sri Lanka, along with other things, it’s got some huge Skeltons and interesting information can be found about animals like elephants. I got recommended to see the chola bronze sculptures here and I wasn’t disappointed, I had no idea what they were but I can now see the intricacy and mind blowing craftsmanship gone into making the sculptures. Would recommend it to anyone in Colombo 👌😀 I went on a Monday afternoon and it was very quiet, no need to book tickets in advance etc.

Really good experience. I like the way they make it kind of a journey like it start from the evolution of human and take you to the current time. Kids can learn a lot about the country history. We really couldn't find where the parking is so had ro park in the street. Wish there is some guide for further details for each section or something. Maybe they are there but we never saw 💀💀

Nothing much to see. Its better for a student following relevant subjects. Other than that so dull. There are few paintings thats it. As a capital museum it needs to be more.