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Colombo National Museum

Located on Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, this museum offers a comprehensive journey through Sri Lanka’s history with ancient artifacts and colonial displays. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, it ranks #13 in Colombo and features extensive cultural exhibits.

Details of Colombo National Museum

Open now 

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible toilet 

Wheelchair-accessible car park 

Wheelchair-accessible entrance 

Children

Good for kids 

Parking

Paid parking lot 

Free parking lot 

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Overview - Colombo National Museum

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Colombo, the Colombo National Museum stands as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, offering a profound journey through 2,500 years of history. As one of the country’s oldest institutions, it showcases a rich tapestry of artifacts spanning ancient civilizations, colonial-era influences, and diverse cultural traditions. Visitors can explore meticulously curated exhibits, from ancient Buddhist relics and prehistoric tools to colonial-era artifacts that reflect Sri Lanka’s complex historical layers. The museum’s Travelers Choice 2024 recognition underscores its enduring appeal, with daily hours from 9 AM to 5 PM ensuring accessibility for all. Its location on Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha places it at the crossroads of Colombo’s modernity and tradition, inviting solo travelers, families, and history enthusiasts alike to immerse themselves in stories that shaped Sri Lanka’s identity. With over a century of preservation efforts, the museum remains a vital resource for understanding the island’s evolution as a global cultural crossroads.

Tags/ Categories

History MuseumCultural AttractionHeritageArt & ArtifactsEducationalFamily FriendlySolo TravelCouplesIndoor Activity

Highlights

Royal Throne of the Last King-image

Royal Throne of the Last King

Toluvila Buddha Statue-image

Toluvila Buddha Statue

Grand Colonial Architecture-image

Grand Colonial Architecture

Antique Ritual Masks-image

Antique Ritual Masks

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Independence Square-image
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Gangaramaya Temple-image
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Old Dutch Hospital-image
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Viharamahadevi Park-image
Urban Park

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Navigations

Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 00700 Sri Lanka

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Reviews

SA

Sathsara LK

The Colombo National Museum is the largest and most important museum in Sri Lanka. It's a great place to learn about the country's history, culture, kings, and ancient kingdoms. The building itself is beautiful, with a classic white …

a week ago

AR

Arun Shanth

The Colombo Museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves history, culture, and art. We had a wonderful experience exploring its vast collection from ancient artifacts and royal treasures to traditional crafts and historical exhibits. Each …

a month ago

TH

Thushan Chamika

The National Museum of Colombo is one of Sri Lanka's most remarkable cultural treasures. Located in the heart of Colombo, this grand white colonial-era building, established in 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, offers visitors a deep …

3 weeks ago

AL

Al Mahmud

The Colombo National Museum is an absolute gem for anyone eager to dive deep into Sri Lanka's rich cultural and historical heritage. From the moment you step through its grand colonial-style entrance, you can feel the sense of history and …

a month ago

T

T W H

The National Museum of Sri Lanka is an absolute treasure trove of history and culture. From ancient royal artifacts to beautifully preserved traditional crafts, every exhibit tells a story about the island's rich past. The building itself …

4 weeks ago

SY

Syed Asif Iqbal

The Colombo National Museum offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka's cultural and historical roots. The collection includes ancient art, statues, royal regalia, and traditional artifacts. The architecture of the museum is impressive and adds to …

a month ago

SU

sushmitha gowri

They have a good zoological and botanical section which they'll exhibit for Universitites and Schools only on request. …

a month ago