Historical Mansion Museum
About This Museum
Tucked away on a quiet, sun-dappled street in the Galle Fort, the Historical Mansion Museum feels less like an institution and more like stepping directly into a wealthy merchant's home, frozen in time. The air is thick with the scent of old teak and spice, whispering tales of a bustling colonial port. You half expect the former owner to stroll through a doorway, so complete is the illusion of a life merely paused. It’s an intimate, almost hauntingly personal glimpse into Galle's mercantile golden age.
Collection Highlights
The ground floor overflows with the treasures that built Galle's fortune: towering ebony furniture, intricate ivory-inlaid cabinets, and vast collections of fine Dutch and Chinese porcelain. Upstairs, you'll find more personal artifacts, from delicate tortoiseshell combs to centuries-old love letters, each object telling a quiet story. Don't miss the stunning array of traditional gem-cutting tools and antique jewellery, a nod to Ceylon's legendary status as the 'Island of Gems'.
Visitor Information
It's easy to find on Leyn Baan Street—just look for the grand, pale yellow Dutch-colonial facade. The staff are wonderfully knowledgeable and often share anecdotes you won't find on any plaque. Give yourself at least an hour to properly absorb all the details in this surprisingly dense townhouse.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a classic example of a Dutch-colonial-era merchant's house, with its characteristic tall ceilings, deep verandahs designed to catch the sea breeze, and massive doors made from local hardwoods.
Contact & Location
Address: Historical Mansion Museum, Leyn Baan Street, Talbot Town, Galle, Galle District, Southern Province, 80000, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 77 790 0170