The Colombo Dutch Museum on Prince Street in Colombo gives an alluring glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial history. Tourists can encounter various beautifully preserved artefacts. It houses over 3000 artefacts like ceramics, coins, weapons and furniture portraying the old, traditional lifestyle. Later on, it was repurposed to be used as a training centre for teachers and clergymen, a post office, and now, a museum. However, it is perfect for a short visit during the day, and tourists can spend the other half of their day exploring nearby sights.
History Of Colombo Dutch Museum
The Colombo Dutch Museum, as its name portrays, was constructed during the Dutch acquisition of Sri Lanka, which lasted from 1656 to 1796. The architectural gem beautifully portrays colonial structures typical of the 17th century distinguished by a two-storey design and elegant pillars. However, The museum we know today was not originally built for relic exhibitions. Over the years, the museum has served many purposes.
The Governor of Dutch Ceylon, Thomas Van Rhee, originally built this place as a place of formal residency. Following this, it was repurposed as a place to store arms of army hospitals, a training centre for clergymen, a Pettah post office, and a telecommunication centre. The Government of Sri Lanka decided in 1981 to change the building to a museum.
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Location Of Colombo Dutch Museum
The Dutch Museum is located on Prince Street in Colombo and gives visitors an insight into the Dutch period in the country. For tourists travelling from the airport, it takes about one hour to get to the museum via taxi. Other popular travelling options which are more local are tuk-tuk rides. From Colombo Harbor (about 8 km away), it is approximately a thirty-minute drive to the museum.
The museum is ideal for a short visit during the daytime to admire the culture and heritage. After exploring the museum, you can head over to various other destinations nearby.
Attractions Near Colombo Dutch Museum
Here are the top attractions Near the Colombo Dutch Museum:
1. St. Mary’s Church
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St. Mary’s Church is a cathedral made of stunning architectural brilliance. One can notice the beautiful walls full of marble decorations and paintings that date as far as 140 years ago. It is a classic example of the incorporation of European art forms into Sri Lankan constructions. One can witness carved images of various saints on the ceilings embellished with artwork.
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Things To Do: Offer your prayers in this church
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sri Lanka With Families
2. Galle Face Green
Image Credit: AKS.9955 for Wikimedia Commons
The Galle Face Green is a 5-hectare land facing the large Indian Ocean which makes it the largest open space in Colombo. It is a magnificent spot for people of all ages to enjoy their favourite activities by the ocean under an open sky. The most popular function held here every year is on 4 February, a national holiday. This place also holds historical significance as the British originally laid it out in 1859 as a horse racing track.
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Things To Do: Take a walk around Galle Face Green
3. Independence Square
Image Credit: Anuradha Dullewe Wijeyeratne for Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the Independence Memorial Hall, it is a national monument built in Colombo in honour of independence from British Rule. tourists can visit the Independence Memorial Museum containing artefacts from the British period signifying the struggles of the colonised countries.
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Things To Do: Sightseeing
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4. Pettah Market
Image Credit: Azeez Abubakr for Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Manning Market, Pettah is an open Market in Colombo. It is considered to be one of the busiest commercial streets in Sri Lanka, which can be attributed to the cheap products one finds here. You can find anything, ranging from clothes to seafood. It consists of all types of wholesale and retail shops, buildings as well as commercial organisations.
Location: Keyzer St, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Things To Do: Go street shopping, eat seafood
5. Ceylon Tea Museum
Image Credit: calflier001 for Wikipedia Commons
This museum offers a glimpse into an old tea factory which was built in 1925. You can try some tea at the cafe or take a tour of the machinery and library. Sri Lanka is considered one of the world’s largest tea producers.
Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Things To Do: Visit the museum, try some tea in the cafe
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All You Need To Know
The Museum remains open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. It remains closed on Sundays and Mondays. Tourists have adequate time to explore the rich historical displays.
The Entry fee for adults is reasonable at 1200 SLR and 300 SLR for children. For visitors willing to take pictures, an additional permit will be required inside the museum, which can be obtained at an added cost of 250 SLR. Situated on Princeton Street, the museum is perfect for spending the day exploring facts and figures surrounding the country’s colonial past.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Sri Lanka In 2 Days
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to Colombo, add them to your Sri Lankan itinerary. Plan your trip to Sri Lanka trip to Sri Lanka to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Colombo Dutch Museum
What is the Colombo Dutch Museum Ticket Price?
the ticket prices have two categories :
- For adults - 1200 SLR
- For children - 300 SLR
What are the timings for the Colombo Dutch Museum?
The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM from Tuesday to Saturday. It remains closed on Sunday and Monday.
Which is the oldest museum in Sri Lanka?
The Colombo National Museum is the oldest museum, built in 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory.
What are the Pettah Streets famous for?
The Pettah Market is an open market known for a large number of retail as well as wholesale shops.
What is the meaning of Pettah Market?
The word stems from Tamil meaning 'a town outside the fort'.
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