The National Museum, Galle
The National Museum in Galle was opened for public viewing on 28th March 1986. Its main objectives were to protect the social and cultural heritage unique to the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, and also provide education, knowledge, understanding and entertainment. It is a provincial museum managed by the Department of National Museums.
This museum contains three exhibition galleries.
The first gallery depicts the historic Galle Fort and the cultural and social heritage of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The second gallery displays artefacts belonging to the colonial era and the third gallery is dedicated to the historical relations between China and Sri Lanka.
Its Collection of Artefacts
Its fascinating collection of artefacts includes traditional masks, turtle shell ware, ebony wood carvings, pillow lace, statuettes, ivory carvings, betel holders and bronze ware. There are also Dutch period exhibits, including Dutch furniture and various types of weapons. There is a special gallery, containing gold-plated life-size statues of Chinese Admiral Zheng he and Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian. There are also various Chinese artefacts such as melamine pottery, decorations and lion figures.
The Unique Features of the Building Housing the Museum
The attraction of this museum is accentuated by the building which houses it. This building erected in 1686, carries unique Dutch architectural features.
Days On Which the Museum Is Open
The museum is open on every day except on Sundays and Mondays and public holidays. It is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (ticket counter closes at 4.30 pm).
Prices of Tickets
| Local Adults | Rs. 20/- |
| Local Children | Rs. 10/- |
| Local Groups (School Children) | Rs.5/- (for each child) |
| Teachers | Rs.15/- |
| Foreign Adults | Rs.300/- |
| Foreign Children | Rs.150/- |
| Permission for still cameras | Rs. 250/- |
| Permission for video photography | Rs. 2000/- |
Various Services Conducted by The Museum
Mobile Exhibitions
Galle Heritage Mobile Exhibitions could be conducted by prior arrangement, in keeping with the legal requirements of the museum.
Awareness Programmes
Awareness programmes for small groups of school children and other groups could be arranged in the museum premises, according to the available space and facilities in the museum.
Sale of Museum Publications
Publications of the Department of National Museums and hand-outs of the Galle Museum are available for sale at the museum sales outlet.
Inquiries
Officer-in-Charge,
Galle National Museum,
Church Street,
Fort,
Galle.
Telephone : 091 2232051
Fax : 091 2232051
E-mail : gallenationalmuseum@gmail.com
