Colombo Maritime Museum

The Colombo Maritime Museum is in one of the former Dutch prisons which were built in 1676 making it one of the oldest Dutch buildings in Colombo and is a unique museum that provides an insight into the maritime history of Sri Lanka. The museum has undergone many renovation to date, and has been open to the public since the years 2003. There are two stories in the museum which are made of unique architecture and desing inspired by italian architecture.

One will find various items on display wich relate to the principle ports of the country along with the maritime industry. All these items are systematic divided into two main galleries in the Colombo maritime Museum.

The first gallery houses an impressive display of the types of warcraft used in passenger transport and maritime trading in the southern part of the country. One will also get a peek into the tradition lifestyle of the fishing communities and fishing techniques,  which is depocted through many replicas. And models.

The second gallery has more of a natural prespective , where it focuses more on flora and fauna in the marine ecosystems . There are beautifull artificial models of the mangroves, sea shore plants, turtels, sea birds , marine mammals. One will also find objects from the depths of the ocean like specimens of corals and some pretty marine shells. But the highlight is the giant whale skelton munted on the ceiling which makes for a complete awe- inspiring experience.

Colombo maritime Museum has a  beautifull entrance . It houses beautiful sculptures , artfacts, models, paintings and maps which speak about the maritime history of Sri Lanka.

The museum is also home to statues of king Vijaya , sanghamitta , Fa- Hien. Iban Battuta and the portuguese, Dutch and British . In addition  there are models of ships which were brought to the shore by British.