1. History and Establishment:

   • The museum was founded in 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British colonial governor at the time. It was created to house the artifacts and cultural items that were important to Sri Lanka’s history.
   • The museum was originally established to exhibit the antiquities and cultural relics of the island, and it has since grown to hold a vast collection of artifacts related to Sri Lanka’s history, art, and culture.

2. Building:

   • The museum is housed in a grand colonial-style building located in the heart of Colombo, which was designed by the architect J. G. Smither. The building’s architecture is an important aspect of Sri Lanka's colonial-era heritage.
   • The structure is set amidst well-maintained gardens, and the building itself is an architectural marvel that adds to the overall historical ambiance.

3. Collections:

   • Archaeological Artifacts: The museum has an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist statues, carvings, inscriptions, and other items dating back to various periods in Sri Lanka’s history, from the prehistoric to the colonial period.
   • Buddhist Art and Relics: It houses one of the finest collections of Buddhist artifacts, including intricately carved stone sculptures, bronze statues, and temple relics from the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy periods.
   • Royal and Colonial Collections: The museum also features exhibits related to the colonial history of Sri Lanka, including artifacts from the Dutch and British colonial periods, as well as the history of Sri Lanka’s kings and royalty.
   • Coins and Manuscripts: The collection includes ancient coins, manuscripts, and historical documents that tell the story of Sri Lanka’s cultural and economic evolution over the centuries.
   • Ethnographic Exhibits: Displays of traditional Sri Lankan clothing, tools, and ceramics showcase the diverse cultures and customs of the country’s various ethnic groups, such as the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and Moors.

4. Notable Exhibits:

   • A prominent exhibit is the Royal Throne of Kandy, a significant artifact representing the grandeur of the last Sinhalese Kingdom.
   • The museum also has a large collection of historical paintings, including scenes from Sri Lanka’s colonial past and the lives of its rulers.

5. Educational and Cultural Role:

   • The museum serves as an educational institution for visitors and students, offering insight into Sri Lanka’s history, art, culture, and religion. It hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and lectures to engage the public in the preservation and appreciation of the nation’s heritage.
   • It also plays a critical role in research related to Sri Lankan archaeology, ethnography, and history.

6. Visitor Experience:

   • The National Museum is a key tourist attraction in Colombo, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s past for both locals and international visitors.
   • It is an important place for those interested in archaeology, art, and Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.

Location:

The National Museum of Colombo is located on Janadhipathi Mawatha (previously called Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha), in the central area of Colombo, close to Viharamahadevi Park.