National Museum
Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha (Albert Crescent), Colombo, Sri Lanka
Your base for exploring this tourist attraction is the ancient city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. For tourist information about Colombo, go to Colombo Travel Guide. To prepare for a trip to Sri Lanka, read also the Sri Lanka Travel Guide. Looking for budget accommodation there? Use AsiaExplorers Budget Accommodation Guide, the no-frills website to cover your budget accommodation needs.
The Colombo National Museum at Albert Crescent is the oldest and most prestigious museum in Sri Lanka. The colonial building housing it was constructed in 1877 by Sir William Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon between 1872-1877. Sir William's statue adorns the lawn of the National Museum.
The architect of the National Museum was Arasy Marikar Wapuche, a Muslim descendant of Moorish people who is famous for his buildings in Grenada and Cordova. The British commissioners were said to be so pleased with the building he designed that they promised to grant him any reward he so desired. The devout architect responded that he wished to be allowed the freedom to worship on Fridays. That wish was granted, and the National Museum is closed every Friday so that its Muslim workers can perform their Friday prayers.
The National Museum with the statue of Sir William Gregory in front of it.
Although the National Museum is highly regarded, I was a bit put off that such a prestigious organisation does not even have air conditioning! But then again, I was coming from a country where almost every building is air conditioned, so perhaps it is not fair for me to impose my level of expectation to a different country.
The collection provides a good coverage of Sri Lankan history, beginning with artefacts from Anuradhapura, and going through the many centuries. In addition, there were representation of cultural artefacts, Kandyan art, dance masks, puppetry, etc. Anybody who has the time to slowly go through the exhibits should be quite engrossed.
National Museum Photo Gallery
View of the National Museum from driveway.
Exhibits within the Colombo National Museum.
The second level of the National Museum.
An exhibit of traditional musical instruments.
Sri Lankan folk puppet art.
The skeleton of a whale is also exhibited in the National Museum. I wondered why it isn't in the National History Museum, which is just next door.
Traditional interior design.
Colombo Travel Guide
Useful tips and information on tourist attractions for planning a trip there.
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