National Museum in Colombo

Last updated on 19 Apr 2023Show location

The National Museum in Colombo, established in 1877, is the country's oldest, biggest, and most visited museum.

It is located in a stately colonial structure. The museum claims of ancient royal regalia, jewelry from bygone eras, and ancient artwork in addition to having over 4,000 palm leaf manuscripts. It also has a sizable collection of antique china, masks, and paintings from temples. The Royal Asiatic Society met Sir William Henry Gregory, the then-British governor of Ceylon, in 1872 to persuade him of the need for a public museum. As a result of his benign assent, the Colombo National Museum was established on January 1, 1877. It used to be closed on Fridays at the request of Wapchi Markar, the museum's principal builder.

During the period of P. E. P. Deraniyagala, who established satellite museums in various regions of the country, the Colombo museum was given the title of the national museum. The National Museum in Colombo, established in 1877, is the country's oldest, biggest, and most visited museum. It is housed in a stately colonial structure. The Royal Asiatic Society met Sir William Henry Gregory, the then-British governor of Ceylon, in 1872 to persuade him of the need for a public museum. As a result of his benign assent, the Colombo National Museum was established on January 1, 1877. It used to be closed on Fridays at the request of Wapchi Markar, the museum's principal builder. During the period of P. E. P. Deraniyagala, who established satellite museums in various regions of the country, the Colombo museum was given the title of the national museum.