Dutch Period Museum: A Time Capsule of Colonial Sri Lanka

Step into a 17th-Century Dutch Governor’s Mansion

Located in the heart of Pettah, the Dutch Period Museum offers a fascinating look into Sri Lanka’s 1658-1796 Dutch colonial era. Housed in the former residence of Governor Thomas Van Rhee, this museum showcases original Dutch furniture, military artifacts, and daily life objects.

Why History Buffs Love This Museum

The Building Itself is an Exhibit

• Thick limestone walls designed to stay cool.
• Massive teak doors with hand-forged hinges.
• Central courtyard with a historic well.

Rare Collections

• Only existing Dutch-era kitchen display in Sri Lanka.
• Original 1746 land deed from Colombo Notary Archives.
• Tombstones of Dutch settlers.

Top Things to See

1. Governor’s Bedroom

• The canopied bed where Van Rhee slept.
• Portrait gallery of Dutch officials.

2. VOC (Dutch East India Company) Room

• Trading scales used for cinnamon.
• Ship manifests showing slave trade records.

3. Kitchen & Household Items

• Brass cooking pots with traditional recipes.
• Child’s high chair from the 1700s.

4. Weaponry Display

• Pistols with VOC monograms.
• Cannonballs excavated from Colombo Fort.

Visitor Tips

• Hours: 9 AM–5 PM (Closed Fridays & Public Holidays).
• Entry Fee: ~LKR 500 (Foreigners) / ~LKR 100 (Locals).
• Photography: Allowed (No flash).
• Combine With: Walk to Pettah Markets and Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.

Local Insights

• Hidden Gem: Check the courtyard walls for faded Dutch graffiti.
• Best Time: Weekday mornings.

Explore Colombo’s Dutch Heritage

Book our "Colonial Colombo Walking Tour" at srilankatourhelp.org.

Did You Know? The mansion’s attic was used as an opium storage room during British rule.

SEO Keywords

• Dutch Museum Colombo
• Sri Lanka colonial history
• Pettah historical sites
• VOC artifacts Sri Lanka
• Things to do in Pettah