Independence Memorial Museum
A compact museum honoring Sri Lankan independence heroes, set within the grand Independence Square.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler weather, fewer people
Independence Memorial Museum
Best Time
Cooler weather, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A compact museum honoring Sri Lankan independence heroes, set within the grand Independence Square.
"The museum is small but good, with interesting history displays and a peaceful, clean surrounding square."
Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking and steps around Independence Square. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially if visiting during warmer parts of the day. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gallery of National Heroes
Independence Memorial Museum
Striking busts and displays honoring Sri Lanka's key figures in the independence movement.
Independence Square
Adjacent to the museum
A vast, clean, and peaceful open area perfect for walks, jogs, or simply relaxing.
Historical Artifacts
Independence Memorial Museum
See equipment and documents that tell the story of Sri Lanka's fight for freedom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Entry Fees & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking and steps around Independence Square. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially if visiting during warmer parts of the day. :droplet:
Short Visit Duration
The museum is small, expect to spend only 15-20 minutes inside. :stopwatch:
No AC Inside
Be prepared for warm conditions; the air conditioning may not be working. :thermometer_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking and steps around Independence Square. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially if visiting during warmer parts of the day. :droplet:
Short Visit Duration
The museum is small, expect to spend only 15-20 minutes inside. :stopwatch:
No AC Inside
Be prepared for warm conditions; the air conditioning may not be working. :thermometer_face:
Photo Opportunities
The square and monument are excellent spots for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Independence Memorial Museum a worthwhile, albeit small, historical stop, especially when combined with the expansive and peaceful Independence Square. While the museum's exhibits are informative, its size and potential lack of air conditioning are noted drawbacks. The surrounding square is praised for its cleanliness and suitability for walks and photos.
"It is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for the commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule. It's located in Independence square in the Cinnamon gardens. Lots of parking available nearby. Area is level and there is fair bit of walking around and steps to the memorial. Need hat, comfy shoes and water. Not crowded and it's free."
s vivekananda
"Independence Square & Museums – Bibhu Experience
Independence Square in Colombo is a nice place to visit. It is a big open area with a historical monument. The place is clean and peaceful. Many people come here for a walk, jogging, or just to relax. Near the square below there are museums. The Independence Memorial Museum is small but good. It has statues and pictures of Sri Lanka’s freedom fighters. It tells the story of how Sri Lanka got independence. If you like history you will enjoy it.
Good things:
•The place is very clean and well-maintained.
•It is a good spot for photos.
•The museum has interesting history displays.
•There is no big crowd so you can explore peacefully.
Not-so-good things:
•The museum is small and may take only 15-20 minutes to see. There is any entry fee 500 LKR (2 USD)
•There is no guide, so you have to read the information yourself.
•Sometimes security does not allow you to sit for too long.
•On my last visit inside the Museums Air Conditioners (AC) was not ON or not working, So very hard to stay inside.
Tip: Visit in the evening or early morning. The weather is cooler. You can also go to the nearby shopping mall or café after your visit.
Overall Independence Square and the museum are good for a short visit. If you like history and peaceful places you will enjoy it!"
Bibhudatta Panda
"This museum showcases monuments dedicated to individuals who contributed to Sri Lanka’s independence, along with equipment and documents of historical significance. Foreign visitors are required to purchase tickets priced around USD 15, while locals can enter for a nominal fee. It is an excellent learning destination for anyone interested in Sri Lankan history"
Chamil Suresh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the basement of the Independence Monument at Independence Square in Colombo. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available to reach Independence Square. There is ample parking nearby if you are driving.
Yes, Independence Square is a large, level area with some steps leading to the monument. It's generally accessible for walking and exploring.
Walking is the best way to explore the square and reach the museum. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended due to the walking involved.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Foreign visitors are typically charged around USD 15 for entry, while locals have a much lower, nominal fee. It's advisable to confirm the current prices upon arrival.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Independence Memorial Museum. Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance.
While specific hours can vary, it's best to visit during daylight hours, ideally early morning or late afternoon, to enjoy the surrounding square as well.
Independence Square is a public space and generally free to enter and explore. The entry fee applies specifically to the Independence Memorial Museum located beneath the monument.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum itself is quite small and can typically be explored in about 15-20 minutes. However, you might want to allocate more time to enjoy the surrounding Independence Square.
No, there are no guides available at the Independence Memorial Museum. Visitors are expected to read the information panels to learn about the exhibits.
Reports suggest that the air conditioning inside the museum may not always be functional or turned on, so it can get quite warm.
The museum features statues, pictures, equipment, and documents related to Sri Lanka's independence movement and national heroes.
Photography policies can vary, but generally, visitors are encouraged to take photos of the surrounding Independence Square. It's best to check for specific restrictions inside the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are nearby shopping malls and cafes where you can find dining options after your visit.
It's generally recommended to consume food and drinks outside the museum to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
The Independence Monument itself, the surrounding open spaces, and the architectural details of the square offer excellent photo opportunities.
While the surrounding square is great for photos, check for specific signage regarding photography inside the museum itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the museum is small and may not hold the attention of very young children for long. The potential lack of air conditioning could also be a factor. However, the visual elements like statues and pictures can be a good starting point for discussions about history.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider focusing your visit on the square itself and perhaps just a quick walkthrough of the museum if your budget is tight. The nearby cafes and malls offer a range of dining options, allowing you to choose according to your budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Sri Lanka's Independence Journey
Visitors often note that the museum is small and can be explored quickly, typically within 15-20 minutes. While there are no guides, the displays provide textual information. A key point to be aware of is that the air conditioning inside might not be consistently operational, making visits during cooler parts of the day advisable.
Beyond the museum, the Independence Square itself is a significant landmark. This expansive, well-maintained public space is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy leisurely walks, jogging, or simply to relax. The open environment and the grandeur of the monument make it a peaceful and visually appealing area to spend time in.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Entry fees differ for foreign visitors and locals, with foreign nationals paying a significantly higher amount (around USD 15). While the museum is small, comfortable footwear is essential as there's a fair bit of walking and steps involved in exploring the entire Independence Square area. Carrying water is also a good idea.
While the museum itself is a brief visit, the overall experience of Independence Square offers a chance for reflection and appreciation of Sri Lankan history. Nearby cafes and shopping malls provide convenient options for refreshments or further exploration after your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit