The National Museum in Colombo is the premier museum in Sri Lanka showcasing some of the country’s most important historical artefacts.
History
The museum was founded in the 19th century by the British Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir William Henry Gregory. The building which houses the museum is an imposing colonial type mansion that shows a distinct influence of Italian architecture.
Location
The National Museum is located in the heart of Colombo and is the largest in the country. Due to its central location, it is easily accessible from many hotels the likes of Mount Lavinia Hotel. In Colombo, things to do such as visiting the museum is highly recommended.
Then and Now
When this institution initially opened its doors it only featured 800 artefacts in its displays. By contrast today this museum has expanded to contain more than 100,000 items in its exhibits.
Highlights
Highlights in the museum’s collection include a splendid Buddha statue in stone dating from the 9th century and the sandals of a Bodhisattva finished in bronze dating from the same period. Make it a point to see the majestic throne constructed in the 17th century for the monarch Wimaladharma.
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+