Highlights
- Set in a colonial building with exhibition halls
- One hall holds the permanent collection, others host shows
- Trace how Sri Lankan art has changed over the past century
- See portraits, landscapes, sculpture and bright canvases
- Step out into the gardens of Colombo 7 nearby
Overview
The National Art Gallery stands on Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, known as Green Path, in Colombo 7, next to the Colombo National Museum. It is a modest gallery in a colonial-style building, with a permanent collection and halls that local artists rent for their own exhibitions.
What you see
The permanent exhibition hall shows portraits, landscapes, sculpture and other works collected over many years, giving a picture of Sri Lankan art from more traditional styles to modern work. Two further halls, the Eastern and Western halls, host changing exhibitions by individual artists and groups. The quality and style of these shows vary, which is part of the interest: it is a place where emerging artists get a public space.
Outside, along Green Path, artists often display and sell paintings on the railings, especially at weekends.
Visiting
Entry has generally been free. Opening hours vary, and the gallery may close on public holidays; check locally before you go.
How long it takes
Thirty minutes to an hour.
When to go
Weekday mornings are quiet; weekends bring the street art sellers along Green Path.
Getting there
The gallery is in Colombo 7, about 15 to 20 minutes by tuk-tuk from Colombo Fort, beside Viharamahadevi Park.
Practical tips
- Ask before photographing works in temporary shows.
- Combine it with the National Museum next door.
Visit the National Museum, see contemporary work at the Saskia Fernando Gallery, and browse the art along Viharamahadevi Park. See things to do in Colombo and Colombo hotels.