Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum

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The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum is an essential starting point for exploring the medieval capital. Located near the Parakrama Samudra, it features immersive scale models of the Royal Palace and monks’ hospitals, alongside a world-class collection of Chola bronzes, ancient medical tools, and intricate stone carvings that bring the 12th-century kingdom to life.

While the breathtaking ruins of Polonnaruwa are often described as a living open-air museum, your journey through this UNESCO World Heritage Site is best complemented with a visit to the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum. Nestled close to the Parakrama Samudraya Reservoir and just a short walk from the Polonnaruwa Rest House, this museum serves as both a gateway and a guide, helping visitors truly understand the remarkable story of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital.

Stepping into the museum is like taking a step back in time before you even set foot within the ancient city walls. It provides context, showcases delicate artifacts that couldn’t withstand the elements outdoors, and helps you truly appreciate the grandeur and complexity of the Polonnaruwa kingdom (roughly 11th to 13th centuries AD).

Highlights of the Collection

The museum’s galleries are arranged to complement the layout of the ancient city itself, guiding you through the kingdom’s rise and its cultural achievements. Among the key highlights are

Everyday Objects and Ritual Items: Terracotta figurines, coins, inscriptions, and household artifacts that bring the lives of ancient Polonnaruwa’s people into focus.
Artifacts from the Royal Palace Complex: Tools, pottery, and decorative items unearthed from the heart of the ancient city.
Stone and Bronze Sculptures: Exquisite Buddha statues and Hindu deities, showcasing the fusion of religious traditions during the period.
Moonstones and Guard Stones: Preserved examples of these signature architectural features, which once adorned temple entrances.
Scale Model of King Parakramabahu’s Palace: A striking reconstruction of the legendary “1,000-roomed palace,” allowing visitors to visualize its scale and grandeur.

Entrance Ticket Prices of the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum

Museum	Local Child (LKR)	Local Adult (LKR)	Foreign Child (LKR)	Foreign Adult (LKR)
Colombo National Museum & National Museum of Natural History	60	120	750	1500
Colombo National Museum	50	100	600	1200
National Museum of Natural History	30	60	400	700
Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum	60	120	600	1200
Polonnaruwa Ancient Technology Museum	50	100	600	1200
Dutch Museum in Colombo	50	100	600	1200
Independence Memorial Museum	25	50	300	500
Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum	60	120	600	1200
Kandy National Museum	50	100	400	600
Ratnapura National Museum	50	100	400	600
Galle National Museum	25	50	350	550
Galle Maritime Museum	25	50	350	550
Magampura Ruhuna Heritage Museum	25	50	350	550
Anuradhapura Folk Museum	25	50	300	500
All ticket prices are in Sri Lankan Rupees
The above ticket prices are effective from 2022.04.01

Photography is permitted, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas.

Opening Hours of the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum

Description	Details
Open Days	Opened daily but it is closed on Poya days and other public holidays
Time	7.00 AM – 5.30 PM

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