Jaffna Archeological Museum

A must-see location in Jaffna if you're planning a visit. It takes around 15–20 minutes to explore the entire museum, and entry is free. There’s ample parking available. Be sure to check the opening hours before you go, and note that photography is not allowed inside the museum. The museum showcases a wide range of artifacts originating from Tamil culture, offering a brief but insightful glimpse into Jaffna’s rich history. You’ll find many unique statues and everyday items once used by the people of old Jaffna. There are also many intricate timber carvings on display, providing a great opportunity to study traditional craftsmanship. Visitors even have the option to donate artifacts to the museum, helping to preserve and expand this cultural treasure.

This museum has great collection. But need to be improved inside It’s very hot. Poor lighting. Need to be improved.

You can enter directly without tickets, and there is a donation box when you leave. You can donate a little money as a cultural relics protection fund.

Location: Navalar road, near the Wyman Road Juntion - behind the Navalar Cultural Hall ( Near the TCT Super Market). From Jaffna Town Main bus stand=> Tutn left to Hospital Road=> Tutn left to Palaly Road ( near signal light) => Turn right to Illuppaiyadi Junction of Point pedro Road=> go straight => turn right to Aanaippanthi Junction of Navalar Road => go straight =>turn right to Navalar Cultural hall within 300m => go straight into the land's behind side. You can park your vehicles inside of the museum yard. Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 9.00am 4.00pm. If you want enjoy, PLEASE COME ON OR BEFORE 3.30pm. Entrance Fee:- Free. ( Local & foreign visitors) If you want to donate your money, for cultural properties development purposes in Srilanka, you can put through the till box. This museum is always open except 2nd and last weeks of Tuesdays of every month (for cleaning purpose) and special public holidays. NOVEMBER - : ALL DAYS OPEN except 11th & 25th November 2025. Land line Telephone is not work(Out of service). Photography is allowed. But, Video calls/ video shooting is not allowed. If you need to take videos or doing other researches, you should get the permission from the Department of Archaeology, head office, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawaththa, Colombo-07.

The Jaffna Archaeological museum is a regional museum that is revealed lot of the behavioral pattern of the people of our region since pre historical era. It is located about 2 km away from the Jaffna bus station and mostly preferred to have walk. Since the Tamil community has their unique traditional value in the region, the museum is fully occupied with the artifacts which found in the region. Though the regional museum of Jaffna has the history since colonial era, the current museum’s history was started with the land donation by the Arumuga Navalar who translated the holy Bible in to Tamil. As Tamil community had a strong connection with South India thus; language, culture, food and religion there are lots of artifacts which were found from ancient city Kantharodai also revealing the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism in our Tamils life in past. The museum is being managed and maintained by the Department of Archaeology and it is open for the visitors since 08:30 am to 04:30 pm excluding full moon Holiday and Tuesdays.

We’re a Sri Lankan family and really enjoyed our visit to the Jaffna Archaeological Museum. It’s small but filled with fascinating history and artifacts that tell stories of Jaffna’s rich past. Our daughter was especially curious about the ancient tools and pottery. A peaceful and educational stop for families!

A Must-Visit Place in Jaffna – Archaeological Museum The Jaffna Archaeological Museum is definitely a must-visit! One of the highlights of our visit was Miss Ekanayaka, who explained everything so well and in great detail. She was knowledgeable, passionate, and made the experience truly enriching for us. It's rare to come across such dedicated and well-informed government servants. We really appreciated the time and effort she took to guide us through the exhibits. We learned a lot and enjoyed every moment. Thank you for preserving and sharing such valuable history!

Three stars as the building is in a deteriorating condition. Very hot inside no fan no ventilation. Artefacts and labeling is good. Also the staff are very helpful . Entry is free