The Old Town Hall Building image

The Old Town Hall Building

Archaeological museum Council

👍👍 I was lucky to see this hidden place in Colombo. The building was used as the municipal headquarters for over 50 years, until 1924. There is much to see at the Old Town Hall; some quite interesting and unique, some not so much, and some downright strange. Whatever the case may be, this monument is... People often mention building, museum, Town, Hall, Colombo,


Address

WVQ3+GJW, Colombo 01300, Sri Lanka

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (31 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Wednesday: (Eid al-Fitr), 6 AM to 6 PM, Hours might differ
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: building (20) museum (11) Town (9) Hall (8) Colombo (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 asitha h. 1 year ago on Google • 94 reviews
    I was lucky to see this hidden place in Colombo. The building was used as the municipal headquarters for over 50 years, until 1924. There is much to see at the Old Town Hall; some quite interesting and unique, some not so much, and some downright strange. Whatever the case may be, this monument is definitely worth having a visit while in Colombo. Make sure to visit the adjoining museum. It has a number of different artifacts; including ancient machinery, old metal street signs mounted on an equally old wooden post, antique boilers and timers, old light holders, an old mobile library vehicle, and a a giant lightbulb that lit the entire square outside the Old Town Hall.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick P. 4 months ago on Google • 744 reviews
    Very old building which serves as a fire station.

  • 5/5 Buddhimal W. 11 months ago on Google • 75 reviews
    The Old Town Hall building is a historic landmark located in Pettah, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Built in 1873, the building served as the city's first town hall and was an important hub of civic activity during the colonial era. The building is a fine example of British colonial architecture and features a distinctive clock tower and a large central hall. The exterior of the building is adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements, while the interior is decorated with ornate plasterwork and features a grand staircase and large chandeliers. Today, the Old Town Hall building serves as a museum and cultural center, showcasing the history and heritage of Colombo and Sri Lanka. The museum features a range of exhibits, including photographs, paintings, and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the city's past and its cultural traditions. Visitors to the Old Town Hall building can also take guided tours of the historic landmark, which provide insights into the building's architectural and historical significance. The tours include visits to the central hall, the clock tower, and other notable features of the building, as well as information about the various events and civic activities that took place there in the past. In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the Old Town Hall building is also a popular destination for photography enthusiasts and travelers looking to experience the charm and beauty of Colombo's colonial-era architecture. Its location in the bustling Pettah market district also makes it a convenient stop for visitors looking to explore the city's vibrant street life and local culture.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Asitha D. 2 years ago on Google
    The building was used as the municipal headquarters for over 50 years, until 1924. There is much to see at the Old Town Hall; some quite interesting and unique, some not so much, and some downright strange. Whatever the case may be, this monument is definitely worth having a visit while in Colombo. Make sure to visit the adjoining museum. It has a number of different artifacts; including ancient machinery, old metal street signs mounted on an equally old wooden post, antique boilers and timers, old light holders, an old mobile library vehicle, and a a giant lightbulb that lit the entire square outside the Old Town Hall.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ananda M. 5 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    I was shocked see this quite place surrounded by busy vicinity. Good for history lovers see many ancient monuments. Gas powered large street lights, mayor’s red dress, ash colored mobile library, gas engine truck, massive gal-roller used in road construction, spearheaded road signs, septic waste removal cart, & many more. Salute to Colombo Town Council efforts for prevention. Now part of building converted to a fire station(brigade) having some modern fire engines parked at the entrance. Have a look 👦
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Aksam Z. 1 year ago on Google • 352 reviews
    Visited this recent to show kids this historic building and the museum housed within it. The large hall inside the main building is today divided into small cubicle like shops selling retail and wholesale stuff. The left side building houses a interesting museum with a collection of very old vehicles and machinery. Learned later theres more museum artifacts for viewing in the top floor of the building. Sadly didnt know when I visited. Sad to see this wonderful building in a dilapidated state. Like others reviews say, this could be converted into something significant for tourism while preserving its history and importance. Even just a coat of paint will give this building a majestic look. There's no indication outside to the public of what this building is or a advisment that indicates there's a museum with free access within it. Even in its present neclected state, its well worth a visit for its history, architecture and museum artifacts.

  • 5/5 Veronika G. 1 year ago on Google • 145 reviews
    Nice

  • 3/5 马诺德 3 months ago on Google • 62 reviews New
    It was a chaotic area. I went in and had a few glances. I marked "museum" but there was no clear ticket price. There was no negotiation and I came out without a chance to take pictures.

  • 5/5 Floris de Klerk W. 11 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    Don't just walk by this building, there is a small old museum inside and upstairs. Worth checking out, very run-down but extremely charming.

  • 5/5 Rushny A. 10 months ago on Google
    Old vehicles used in srilanka


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