National Museum

The National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, is the largest museum in Sri Lanka and houses many collections of cultural and historical significance, including the crown and throne of the Kandyan monarchs – the last kings of Sri Lanka – and artefacts and narratives which outline the island’s fascinating ancient history and the central role that Buddhism came to play in Sri Lankan culture.

First established in 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon at that time, the museum was designed in a spectacular Italianate architectural style and sits majestically on a quiet city-centre street. Those interested in exploring Sri Lanka’s enthralling history – particularly if you are not visiting the Cultural Triangle – should spend half a day here and explore the wide range of intriguing objects that are on display.

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If you are a history lover and have a keen eye for architecture, the National Museum is probably one of the first few places that you need to visit, when you come to 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.