The Dutch Period Museum in Colombo

The Museums in Sri Lanka display artifacts and objects pertaining to Sri Lanka's pre-history, archaeology, anthropology, zoology, entomology, geology and paleontology. The major museums and art galleries in Sri Lanka are Colombo National Museum, the Dutch Period Museum, Barefoot Gallery, Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre and Sapumal Foundation. The Dutch Period Museum in Colombo in Sri Lanka was formerly the residence of the Dutch governor, Thomas van Rhae (1692-1697). It was sold to the VOC before transforming into the private school of Colombo in 1696. The British took over the building in 1796 and converted it into a military hospital and later into a post office. Today the building has been transformed into a museum showcasing the significance of the Dutch period in Sri Lanka. The old 'Dutch House' located on Prince Street, Pettah ((Colombo 11) encloses the museum. In recent times an avenue of boutiques and stores of Muslim traders are found along the streets. The refurbishment work began in 1977 which was finally completed in 1981. The museum was opened for public viewing in 1982.

Features of the Dutch Period Museum in Colombo:

  -   A room upstairs preserves historical documents, various examples of Dutch period furniture and decoration.
  -   The lower floors contain Dutch grave-markers and tombstones.
  -   The Museum is surrounded by a garden courtyard with the original stone-well of the house.
  -   The exquisite architectural traits of a colonial Dutch town house have been preserved and maintained in the museum.
  -   The exhibits of the Dutch history- artifacts like furniture, ceramics, coins, arms etc depicts the various aspects of contemporary life and culture.
  -   The Museum is remains open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Museum remains closed on Fridays.
  -   The exhibits portray the political and socio-economic status of the Maritime Provinces of the Island under the Dutch rule. The displays throw light upon the culture of the Kandyan Kingdom during the Dutch era.