Traditional Puppet Art Museum
Attraction Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala, Colombo, Sri Lanka Published on: 13-11-2015
1 hour | |
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
02:00 PM | |
03:00 PM | |
Second-time visit | |
Attraction
Family
Museum
Kids
|
|
4.00 USD |
Traditional Puppet Art Museum is good for





Image copyrights belong to authors
Why Traditional Puppet Art Museum is special ?
This puppet art museum was established with the intention of preserving the memory of traditional arts in the mind of Sri Lankan community and also to take this art to the international level. Puppet shows, collecting data and research work, training sessions, seminars and lectures are conducted at this centre. Many projects are being organized to popularize the puppet art in Sri Lanka and abroad with the collaboration of Cultural ministry, Tourism ministry and education Ministry. Founder of this traditional puppet art museum and present chairman and managing director, presidential award winner, world master Mr. Sarath Abeygunawardhana is directing this institute with the help of well experienced staff.
Source: http://www.srilankatravelmap.com/
What to explore at Traditional Puppet Art Museum?
The museum houses a large number of hand-crafted puppets that depict various folktales and ancient stories, showcasing the rich Sri Lankan tradition of story-telling using puppets. The puppet museum comprises several galleries, each dedicated to types of puppets and traditional masks. Though most puppets at the museum are labelled in Sinhala, the staff are usually able to provide translations on request. Visitors to the museum must not miss out on the special gallery for traditional masks - containing a variety of traditional masks crafted by artists from Ambalangoda. The Traditional Puppet Art Museum also houses a mini-theatre which is often host to puppet shows.
Source: http://www.halaltrip.com/
How to get to Traditional Puppet Art Museum?
The Pupet Art Museum of Sri lanka is located at Dehiwala, Karagampitiya Road , close to the Zoological Garden.
If you are coming from Galle road, take turn from William Grinding Mills Junction from Dehiwala towards Nugegoda side, then take the first turn to right. That is the Karagampitiya road. Museum is 150m from there, in your left hand side after passing the Dehiwala Urban Council road.
If you are coming from Zoological garden side, its around 400 meters away from there.
Selling points
- Traditional puppets on display
- A hidden gem
- An impressive variety of masks
- A large number of hand-crafted puppets
- A wide of collection
Location
Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tips for you
Reviews
This museum is located in the southern suburbs of Colombo and is truly a hidden gem. Most locals I came across had never even heard about this place. The puppets depict local culture and folklore, and are extremely impressive. There is so much detail that has gone into not only the puppets/dolls themselves ,but the dioramas as well. Although the signage is currently not in English ( I was told this is something they are going to address), the puppets alone were impressive enough to enjoy. This is a must for those who like an insight into local culture.