Lionel Wendt Art Centre

The premises comprises of an art exhibition gallery, performing arts theatre and a mini hall/room for rehearsals/classes. The centre is managed by a trust in memory of Lionel Wendt - a great painter and pianist (1900-1944). This review concerns the theatre. It is the best in town to experience performing arts. The seating (top two seat categories) is comfortable and sounding is quality. The lighting, sounds and backstage facilities for artists are also commendable. The booking process is manual and the facilities for patrons are average. Parking on the premises is only for about ten vehicles, but there's a nearby public car park. There's no cafeteria on the premises or nearby. The wooden benches in the balcony saves space but poor in comfort. Balcony is not the ideal for live vocal performances like dramas due to poor audibility. Introduction of a digital booking platform and a coffee shop would definitely add value.

I had having a fantastic time at the art gallery. Everyday is a new adventure filled with vibrant artwork and inspiring creativity.

**Review for Lional Wend Art Centre** The Lional Wend Art Centre is a hidden gem that offers a captivating blend of contemporary and traditional art. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, showcasing both local and international talent. The welcoming atmosphere, coupled with knowledgeable staff, makes each visit enriching. Highly recommended for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

I went there recently 12th December 2024, hall is big but better not chose the front seats. All the seats are wooden and no cushion , ,hard to find parking if u come late

Spacious gallery that hosts all kinds of exhibitions all year round. The parking here can be a little tricky, especially if there happens to be a popular exhibition. The road adjacent to the gallery is one way, and a part of it is closed off to make way for parking, but it can get filled up pretty quickly.

As someone who has been coming to one of Colombo's oldest theatre since my childhood, I can say with confidence that this theatre holds a special place in my heart. The moment you step into the theatre, you are transported to a different world altogether. The atmosphere is electric, with the excitement and anticipation of what's to come palpable in the air. The theatre itself is steeped in history and tradition, and you can feel it in every nook and cranny of the building. The seating is comfortable, and the sightlines are excellent, ensuring that no matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the stage. The productions that are staged here are always of the highest quality, with talented actors, singers, and dancers bringing their best to the stage. Whether it's a classic play, a musical, or a contemporary performance, you can be sure that you will be thoroughly entertained. Overall, this theatre holds a special place in my heart, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic theatre experience. It's a true gem in the heart of Colombo.

Went there today for a rustic exhibition. Great location and nice atmosphere. Washroom facilities and a café is also available. You can enjoy beautiful paintings at the lobby area too. There is also a theater with this art gallery which also known as the Lionel Wendt theater. Only few car parking spaces available in-front of the art gallery/theater. But there is a large car park about 50m away from the Gallery. But might hard to find a spot on weekdays morning-evening.

Live Theatre – Art Exhibitions and Photography I have been visiting Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre for over 20 years. My last visit was on 17th and 19th January 2020 to view two art exhibitions. The Art Centre is named after photographer and Artist Lionel Wendt. It stands at 18, Guildford Crescent (now named Premasiri Kemadasa Mawatha) in Colombo and is the place where the artist originally built his small house that he made accessible to art lovers. The theatre for performing arts has over 600 seats and is the premier location in Colombo for both Sinhala and English stage plays, with an occasional one in Tamil. Here at this theatre, I have watched the stage dramas Maname, Sinhabahu and Hunuwataye Kathawa among many others. Though non-alcoholic drinks are available at a little cafeteria, visitors are not permitted to take food or drinks into the theatre. The theatre is air conditioned. It is run-down and a renovation would be much appreciated by patrons. Photographic and sculpture exhibitions are held at the two art galleries. The one on the ground floor facing the road is the more common one. Here I viewed an exhibition of paintings by four artists on 17th January 2020. On the same day there was another exhibition at the Harold Peiris gallery upstairs displaying wild-life photography. I enjoyed both exhibitions that were of a high order. Photographic Society of Sri Lanka conducts its operations in one of the rooms on the ground floor. Photographic enthusiasts meet here regularly. The society organizes educational programmes for beginners and enthusiasts. They also conduct an annual international photographic exhibition. The Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre is the premier institution dedicated to the performing arts, to drama, ballet and music, and to painting, sculpture and photography. Patrons please note that there is no dedicated car park. However there is a public car park quite close to it. The four stars allocated do not reflect comfort at the Art Centre. It reflects the quality of paintings exhibited and the high standard of plays staged there.