Dutch Museum

Dutch Museum, Colombo – A Quiet Glimpse into History 🇱🇰 I visited the Dutch Museum in Colombo Fort during a city tour, and it was a fascinating experience. Tucked away in the busy Fort area, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape into Sri Lanka’s colonial past. The museum is housed in a beautifully preserved 17th-century Dutch mansion, complete with wooden staircases, antique furniture, and classic architecture that take you back in time. The exhibits feature maps, ceramics, weapons, and household items from the Dutch colonial era, each telling a part of Sri Lanka’s rich history. Some renovation work is ongoing, but it doesn’t affect the visit much, it will be even better once completed. I particularly loved the quiet courtyard, surrounded by old verandas, perfect for a moment of reflection or a quick photo. It’s not a large museum, but definitely worth a visit if you enjoy history and architecture. The entry fee is reasonable, and the staff are friendly and helpful. A lovely stop while exploring Colombo Fort.

The Dutch Fort in Colombo is a place worth visiting, especially for the ones that like to have a peak at the history of Sri Lanka. The following is an extract from one of the posters at the Dutch Museum. Quote "A century has passed since the Portuguese established their power in Sri Lanka when the Dutch arrival in the first part of seventeenth century. at the time, kandyan rulers were anxious to expel the Portuguese from the country. King Rajasimha II the I entered into a treaty with the Dutch on 23rd May 1638 A.D. one of the cause of this treaty was that King of Kandy should bear the expenses incurred by the Dutch expelling the Portuguese from the island. Gradually, they took over the forts held by the Portuguese in Sri Lanka, pretending that they were helping the King. In this way, they captured Galle in 1640, Colombo in 1656, and Jaffna and Mannar in 1658 and established the Dutch power over the Portuguese clam. At that time, Funder Maiden was appointed as the governor in the coastal areas and started Dutch rule over there. The governor and the governing body had to work according to the instructions of the governor of Batavia and his committee, which was the centre of the Dutch East India. After the establishment of the Dutch power in Coastal areas, requests were made that the King should pay the related war expenses to the Dutch According to Ordinance of 1638 A.D. The Dutch took action to inform the Kandyan King that they would keep the territories captured from the Portuguese until the war expenses were paid." Unquote

Colombo Dutch Museum – A Long-Awaited Gem Reopened I’ve been waiting for years to see this place reopen after its extensive renovation, and I can confidently say it was worth the wait. Nestled in the heart of Pettah, the Colombo Dutch Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it’s a living chapter of Sri Lanka’s colonial past. The building itself is a piece of history originally the 17th-century residence of Dutch Governor Thomas van Rhee, it stands as one of the few surviving examples of Dutch colonial architecture in Colombo. Walking through its cool verandas and wide courtyards, you can almost feel the centuries of stories it has witnessed. Over time, it served many purposes: from an orphanage and seminary to a hospital, army barracks, police training school, and post office. Inside, the museum showcases furniture, maps, coins, ceramics, and weaponry from the Dutch period, offering a glimpse into how the Dutch influenced life in Sri Lanka during the 17th and 18th centuries. The restored rooms are beautifully presented, and each artifact feels like it has a story to tell, especially the period furniture, which makes you imagine the daily lives of those who lived here. What struck me most was how well the renovation preserved the original charm while making the displays more accessible and engaging. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of the cultural exchange, trade, and governance that shaped this island’s history. If you love history, architecture, or simply want to experience a different side of Colombo beyond the bustling markets, this museum is a must visit. I’m just glad I finally got to see it in all its restored glory after such a long wait.

The Dutch Museum in Colombo is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s colonial history. Located in the busy Pettah area, the museum is set within a restored 17th-century Dutch mansion that once belonged to Count August Carl Van Ranzow. The building itself is a piece of history, showcasing traditional Dutch colonial architecture with elegant wooden features and open courtyards. Inside, visitors will find a carefully preserved collection of over 3,000 artifacts from the Dutch colonial era. These include antique furniture, weapons, coins, ceramics, and detailed maps that paint a vivid picture of life during that time. Each room offers a different perspective on how the Dutch influenced Sri Lankan culture, trade, and daily life. The museum also tells the story of the building’s many uses over the centuries—from a residence to a post office and even a police training center. Today, it stands as an important cultural and historical site that reflects the complex legacy of colonial rule. Overall, the Dutch Museum provides a quiet, enriching experience in the heart of Colombo and is well worth a visit for those with an interest in history, architecture, or cultural heritage.

The two storey colonnaded building on Prince Street, Pettah (Colombo 11) which houses this museum was constructed during the Dutch occupation of Colombo (1656 - 1796) and was the formal residence of the Governor of Dutch Ceylon Thomas van Rhee (1634 - 1701) during his term of office in 1692 to 1697.[1] The building has been used for many different purposes over the years. It was a teacher training college and an institute for the instruction of clergymen between 1696 and 1796. At one time it was the residence of Colonel Count August Carl Fredrick Von Ranzow (1759 - 1844). It operated as an orphanage under the supervision of the deacons and financed by the Dutch East Indies Company. It was also used as a hospital. It became a barracks in the second half of the 1800s and in 1900 it was used as a police training school, set up by the British. In 1932 it was converted to the Pettah Post Office. In 1971 following heavy monsoon rains one of the exterior walls collapsed and the building was abandoned. Following protests by the Royal Asiatic Society and the Dutch Burgher Union against plans to demolish the building, in 1973 a committee was established with representatives from the Ceylon Tourist Board, the Department of Archaeology, the Netherlands Alumni Association of Lanka and the National Archives, to restore the building and establish a museum covering the Dutch colonial period. The restoration of the building commenced in 1977, with financial assistance of Netherlands government, and was completed in 1981. This museum was opened to the public in 1982. This building embodies the unique architectural features of a colonial Dutch town house. In 1999 the museum building was formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological protected monument in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 18 June under the government Gazette number 1085. The museum while displaying the Dutch legacy with the artefacts including furniture, ceramics, coins and weaponry, portraying the various facets of contemporary life and culture.

The Dutch Museum in Colombo, located in Pettah on Prince Street, is a wonderful place to explore Sri Lanka’s colonial history. The building itself is a well preserved Dutch era house with beautiful architecture and a calm courtyard. Inside, you’ll find interesting artifacts like coins, furniture, and ceramics that tell the story of the Dutch period. Even though it’s in the busy Pettah area, the museum feels peaceful and is worth a visit if you enjoy history and heritage.

The Dutch Period Museum is an essential cultural highlight in Colombo, offering a stunning contrast to the hectic surroundings of Pettah. It is housed in a beautifully preserved 17th-century mansion, a prime example of elegant Dutch colonial architecture. The building itself, once the residence of a Dutch Governor, is a magnificent historical artifact. Visitors are immersed in the history of the Dutch colonial period (1656–1796) through an impressive collection of over 3,000 meticulously displayed items. Key exhibits include intricate colonial furniture, unique ceramics reflecting trade, antique coins, and historical weaponry. The serene inner garden courtyard provides a peaceful break, a quiet oasis away from the city's noise. The museum offers significant educational value, clearly portraying the governance, daily life, and legacy of the Dutch East India Company. It is a mandatory stop for history buffs and those interested in Sri Lanka's multifaceted colonial past. Always confirm the hours before visiting, as it is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Visited the Dutch Museum in Pettah today. It’s a quiet and historical place located in the heart of a busy area. The museum holds many interesting artifacts and exhibits from the Dutch colonial period in Sri Lanka, including furniture, coins, weaponry, and documents. The building itself is a beautiful piece of architecture, with its old wooden staircases, courtyards, and colonial-style design. It gives a real sense of the past. The environment was calm and well maintained. It’s a great place for those who are interested in history and want to learn more about the Dutch influence in Sri Lanka. Highly recommended for a peaceful and informative visit in the middle of the busy Pettah streets.