Galle National Museum
Overview
The Galle National Museum is housed in the old "Commissariat Store" built in 1656, one of the oldest Dutch buildings in Galle Fort. The museum is not just a collection of antiques, but also a mirror that reflects the historical, archaeological and anthropological heritage of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.
The exhibition halls are divided into three main sections:
- Antiques from the Portuguese, Dutch and English eras: Colonial weapons, pottery (with the VOC Emblem), and furniture can be seen here.
- Traditional industries and arts of the Southern Province: Galle-specific tortoiseshell designs, Beeralu Lace, and wood carvings are valuable evidence here.
- Masks and Culture: A collection of kolams and powerless masks native to the Ambalangoda area is also on display here.
In short, this is a great place to study Galle's relations with the world as a port city and how the life of the people in the south changed over time.
What can we do?
- Explore History: Gain insight into the lifestyle of Galle during the Portuguese, Dutch and English periods.
- Educational Tour: Learn about masks, pottery and ancient weapons (very important for school children and history students).
- Architecture: Experience the architecture of a 350-year-old Dutch building with its thick walls, high arches and cool atmosphere.
Which session is best for travel?
- Time: Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Note: It is wise to check before going as it may be closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.
How long to spend for a visit?
- Duration: It will take about one hour (1 hour) to carefully view all the artifacts and read the descriptions.
How can we arrive?
- Location: Located near the Old Gate of Galle Fort. It can be found near Amarasuriya Walawwa or Amangalla Hotel.
- Ticket: You need to get a ticket to enter.