Historical Mansion Museum: Galle Fort's Hidden Gem of Colonial Treasures

Tucked away on Leynbaan Street within Galle Fort, the Historical Mansion Museum offers one of Sri Lanka's most intimate encounters with colonial-era life. This privately-owned treasure trove, housed in an 18th-century Dutch building, showcases gem merchant Abdul Gaffar's remarkable collection of VOC-era artifacts and vintage everyday objects that whisper stories of Galle's cosmopolitan past.

A Building Steeped in History

• Original Dutch Residence (c. 1763) with characteristic thick walls and arched doorways
• Features the original VOC-monogrammed granite slab (dated 1763) in its courtyard
• Contains a still-functional Dutch period well with remarkably fresh water
• Served as both merchant home and trading post during colonial times

Must-See Exhibits

Dutch Colonial Era

• VOC coins used in 18th-century Ceylon trade
• Blue-and-white porcelain from Dutch trading ships
• Granite oil lamps that lit colonial homes

Vintage Technology Collection

• Antique gramophones (including rare Edison models)
• Early telephones used in British Ceylon
• Box cameras from photography's dawn
• Sewing machines that stitched colonial fashions

Unique Household Items

• Charcoal smoothing irons from the 1800s
• Railway lanterns that guided Ceylon's first trains
• Brass betel nut cutters from Dutch social gatherings

Visitor Experience

• Location: 27 Leynbaan Street, Galle Fort
• Hours: 9:30AM-5:30PM daily (Owner often gives personal tours)
• Entry: $3 (Includes guided explanation)
• Special: Ring the antique bell at the entrance for admission

Why This Museum Stands Out

• Personal curation by the owner (Mr. Gaffar frequently shares stories)
• Untouched authenticity - feels like stepping into a colonial home
• Rare items not found in government museums
• Photography encouraged throughout

Nearby Hidden Gems

• The Dutch Hospital (2 min walk) - Now luxury dining complex
• Meera Mosque (3 min) - With blended colonial-Islamic architecture
• Church Street Café - Perfect post-museum refreshments

Local Tips

• Ask to see the hidden basement (original Dutch storage area)
• Notice the ship's timber repurposed in the ceiling
• Best light for photos: Late afternoon when sun filters through courtyard

"More than a museum - it's a conversation with history." - Recent Visitor

Book a Private Fort Tour

Want to discover more of Galle's secret histories? Sri Lanka Tour Help offers:

• Exclusive access to private collections
• Expert-guided walks through lesser-known Fort sites
• Customized heritage itineraries

Contact us for an unforgettable journey through time!