Monzer Bouwadi (.
Google
The International Buddhist Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or Asian history. It's housed in a beautiful Victorian-era building that was once the palace of a Kandyan king, and the exhibits cover the history and spread of Buddhism from its origins in India to its present-day practice in countries around the world.
The museum is well-organized and easy to navigate, and the exhibits are well-curated and informative. There are artifacts from all over Asia, including statues, paintings, manuscripts, and textiles. There's also a section on the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, which is particularly interesting given the country's long and rich Buddhist tradition.
I was particularly impressed by the museum's collection of Buddhist art. There are some truly stunning pieces on display, including a large statue of the Buddha from Afghanistan and a collection of beautiful Tibetan thangkas.
The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and admission is SR 2000. It's located in the heart of Kandy, just a short walk from the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
The museum can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
There is no photography allowed inside the museum.
There is a gift shop on the ground floor where you can buy souvenirs (reasonable price).
Overall, I highly recommend the International Buddhist Museum to anyone visiting Kandy. It's a great place to learn about Buddhism and its rich history and culture.