National Maritime Museum, Galle Fort: Diving into Sri Lanka’s Seafaring Legacy

Step into Sri Lanka’s maritime past at the National Maritime Museum, housed in a 1671 Dutch warehouse near Galle Fort’s old gate. This fascinating museum showcases centuries of seafaring history, from ancient fishing traditions to colonial naval power.

A must-visit for history lovers, the museum features shipwreck treasures, antique navigational tools, and even the wheel of Sri Lanka’s first warship—all within one of the fort’s most atmospheric buildings.

History of the Museum Building

• Built in 1671 as a Dutch spice warehouse (one of Galle Fort’s oldest structures)
• Later used as a naval storage facility during British rule
• Opened as a museum in 1992, then rebuilt after 2004 tsunami damage

Must-See Exhibits

1. Shipwreck Treasures

• Artifacts from sunken vessels:
  • Dutch beer mugs, sailor shoes, and smoking pipes
  • Earthenware & cannons recovered off Sri Lanka’s coast
• Scale models of historic ships, including a Dutch "Staaten Jacht" (royal yacht)

2. Sri Lanka’s Naval Heritage

• Wheel of the Vijaya – Sri Lanka Navy’s first warship
• Traditional Oruwa (dugout canoe) – Used for fishing for centuries

3. Interactive Learning

• Free lectures on maritime history (weekdays; inquire with curator)
• "Shipwreck Diving" programs with the Maritime Archaeology Unit

Visitor Information

• ???? Location: Near the Old Gate, Galle Fort (5-min walk from the lighthouse)
• ⏰ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays & Public Holidays)
• ???? Entrance Fee: ~$3 USD (Foreigners) / LKR 200 (Locals)
• ???? Contact: +94 91 224 7677 (For diving programs)

Why Visit?

• Perfect for families – Engaging exhibits for all ages
• Ideal for history buffs – Rare artifacts from colonial trade routes
• Great rainy-day activity – Explore indoors while avoiding the tropical sun

Nearby Attractions

• Galle Lighthouse (3-min walk)
• Dutch Reformed Church (5-min walk)
• Galle Fort Ramparts (10-min walk for sunset views)

Local Tips

• Combine Visits: Pair with the Galle National Museum for a full historical experience
• Guided Tours: Ask staff about free talks on Sri Lanka’s maritime past
• Best Time to Go: Mornings (cooler, fewer crowds)

Book a Maritime Heritage Tour

Want to explore Galle’s seafaring history with an expert? Sri Lanka Tour Help offers:

• Private museum & Fort tours
• Shipwreck diving excursions
• Customized South Coast itineraries

Contact us to set sail into history!