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Museums and galleries in Colombo

7 museums and galleries in Colombo, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Museums and galleries in Colombo

  1. See

    Central Bank Currency Museum

    Established on 20 April 1982 at the Central Bank Head Office in Colombo Fort. The Central Bank Currency Museum traces the history of the usage of coins and notes in Sri Lanka since 3 BCE and has on display a large number of old coins and notes.

    Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4PM except public and bank holidaysfree

  2. See

    Independence Memorial Hall

    (also Independence Commemoration Hall)

    is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the establishment of Dominion of Ceylon on 4 February 1948. It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum.

    9AM-5PMChild Rs 150, adult Rs 300 (2013)

  3. See

    The Dutch Period Museum

    Nice but very small museum documenting Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka. Houses Dutch-inspired artifacts.

    Sat-Thu 9AM-5PMChild Rs 300, adult Rs 500 (2013)

  4. Eat

    The Gallery Cafe

    Wonderful atmosphere in beautiful building - designed by famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Large food menu featuring many international dishes, decadent desserts and extensive cocktail menu.

  5. See

    The National Museum of Colombo

    Department of National Museums. Also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, it is the largest museum in Colombo. Among its exhibits, it contains regalia of the 17th-century Kandyan kings.

    Sat-Thu 9AM-5PMChild Rs 300, adult Rs 500 (2013)

  6. See

    The Natural History Museum

    This museum features Sri Lanka's floral and fauna in dioramas.

    Sat-Thu 9AM-5PM. Closed all public holidaysChild Rs 150, adult Rs 300

  7. See

    The Sapumal Foundation

    Colombo 7. The Sapumal Foundation was once home to the late Harry Pieris. Visitors are able to see his studio and art materials that have been left undisturbed over the years. This gallery also contains 200 paintings that follow the development of Sri Lankan art. Special art classes are also available at the gallery.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Colombo (CC BY-SA 4.0).