Discover the history and heritage of the Maldives on a visit to its National Museum which offers fascinating insights including a time when Sultans ruled the land.
Planning A Visit
This well-known museum can be found in the capital, Male, which is within easy reach of island resorts the likes of Velassaru Maldives. It is in fact, made up of two buildings which can be found in Sultan Park where the Sultan’s Palace once stood.
The Original Building
The original building of the National Museum occupies what remains of the former Sultan’s Palace. Those on a visit here from their luxury hotel in Maldives will find diverse exhibits connected with the age of sultans including royal costumes and ceremonial robes. Also, on display are items from the country’s pre-Islamic period as well as age-old armour and weapons.
The New Building
Given as a gift by the Chinese government, the newer building which is part of the museum offers a more modern exterior though inside, one will find traditional elements. The walls feature engravings of a handwritten Qur’an, while historical documents are on showcase here, some of which date back to the 1600s.
Other Highlights
Those exploring the National Museum in Male have much more to see as well. Amongst the highlights are the first printing press used in the Maldives, remnants of ancient Hindu and Buddhist statues, intricate lacquer work boxes and a Longman’s beaked whale skeleton.
