Discover the Treasures of the Colombo National Museum
Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka at the Colombo National Museum, the largest museum in the country.
The Colombo National Museum is Sri Lanka's largest and oldest museum, showcasing a rich collection of historical artifacts, art, and cultural heritage. A must-visit for tourists, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation's past, including its archaeological wonders and colonial history.
A brief summary to Colombo National Museum
- WV56+X9R, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo, 00700, LK
- Click to display
- Click to display
- Monday 9 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
- Thursday 9 am-7 pm
- Friday 9 am-7 pm
- Saturday 9 am-7 pm
- Sunday 9 am-7 pm
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Colombo National Museum.
- Plan your visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
- Don't miss the guided tours, as they provide valuable insights into the exhibits.
- Allocate at least 2-3 hours for a thorough visit to fully appreciate the museum's extensive collections.
- Check the museum's official website for any temporary exhibitions or special events during your visit.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas, so be sure to respect the guidelines while exploring.
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Getting There
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Bus
If you are near Fort Railway Station, take the bus number 138 heading towards Dehiwala. Make sure to tell the conductor you are going to the Colombo National Museum. The bus will drop you off at the nearest stop on Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha. From there, walk towards the museum, which is just a short 5-minute walk along the street.
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Tuk-Tuk
You can easily find a tuk-tuk in most busy areas or ask your hotel to arrange one. Give the driver the address 'WV56+X9R, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha'. The ride should take around 15-20 minutes depending on traffic, and the driver will drop you off right at the entrance of the Colombo National Museum.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby, such as near the Viharamahadevi Park, the museum is within walking distance. Head south from the park entrance onto Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha. Continue straight for about 10-15 minutes, and you will find the Colombo National Museum on your right.
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Train and Bus
If you are coming from a location further out like Mount Lavinia, take the train to Fort Railway Station. Once at Fort, exit the station and look for the bus stop. Take bus number 138 towards Dehiwala and inform the conductor that you want to go to the Colombo National Museum. After a short ride, you will reach a bus stop near the museum, and it will be a quick 5-minute walk from there.
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