MARITIME AND NAVAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The Maritime and Naval History Museum is a relatively new museum in Trincomalee, as it has been in operation since 2013. Although a new addition, the museum is home to several ancient relics that go back to the days where trade relationships were just established in Sri Lanka, during the time of Marco Polo. Within the two-storey complex is a myriad of artefacts that explain how Sri Lanka, especially the port of Trincomalee, was used as an important docking point for many traders coming in from the far east. Located close to the historical Fort Frederick, the museum provides a good perspective on the history of how the Dutch set foot into the island during the 16th century, and eventually took control of the coastal regions.

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Why You Should Visit

What makes this museum all the more intriguing to many travellers, is the fact that the building itself was once the official residence of the Dutch Naval Commissioner during the 17th century. Thus, making the building itself an artefact of sorts, as it sports the typical tenets of neo-classical architecture. The further restoration that the Government of Sri Lanka undertook recently, makes it possible to reimagine how life would have been like for a high-ranking colonial. Make sure you explore both storeys, as it is arranged in a manner that will take you through maritime history in chronological order, along with the marine life that thrives under the azure waters.

About Maritime Navel Museum Trincomalee

At a distance of 2.5 km from Trincomalee Railway Station, the Maritime and Naval History Museum is a museum located at Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Situated near Fort Frederick, it is one of the popular places to visit in Trincomalee during your Sri Lanka Tour.

The museum was opened in the year 2013 by then Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa coincide with the country’s 65th Independence Day celebrations. The museum has been established near Fort Fredrick in a Dutch Mansion where the Dutch first landed on the island in the 16th century. This beautiful colonial white building was the former residence of the Dutch Naval Commissioner from 1602 to 1795 and from 1795 to 1948 it had been used as the Urban Commissioner’s residence. Seriously damaged during the war, it was fully renovated and restored to its former glory in 2013 with the assistance of the Government of the Netherlands under the direction of the Sri Lanka Archaeology Department and the Museums Department.

This informative museum offers important insights into Sri Lankan maritime history, marine biodiversity, and information on the history of the local Naval affairs. The building has two floors. Displays on the ground floor cover Sri Lankan naval history back to Marco Polo’s time while the exhibits on the first floor throw light on the marine ecosystem with special emphasis on the flora and fauna of the east coast, especially that of Pigeon Island.

Timings: 8. 30 AM – 4. 30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays