Art & Museums · 10 of the best in Sri Lanka
National Museum, Galle
In a Dutch building
About National Museum, Galle
The National Museum of Galle is housed in a Dutch-period building near the Groote Kerk, the Dutch Reformed Church. Its small collection covers the south of the island: traditional masks, lacework, woodcarving, ivory and objects from the Dutch period. It takes about half an hour, and makes a good stop on a walk around the fort. Check the opening days locally before you go, as the government museums close on some public holidays.
Why it's on our list
- Dutch building
- Local history
- Fort walk
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with National Museum, Galle before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from National Museum, Galle are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Pedlar Street350 m4 min walk
- Taxi rank, Pedlar Street350 m5 min walk
Key sights
- Galle Fort400 mWalk 5 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Unawatuna4.1 kmCycle 17 minCar or taxi 15 min
- Mirissa28 kmCar or taxi 88 min
- Bentota beach50 kmCar or taxi 152 min