While many may think of the Maldives as only being a destination for heavenly island escapes, it is a country with a captivating history too; you can discover this heritage and more at its National Museum.
The Museum’s Location
The museum can be found in Sultan Park in Male, the capital of the Maldives. Island resorts situated in the North Malé Atoll including the likes of Huvafen Fushi Maldives provide easy access to Male where you will find a number of other attractions too.
Two Buildings
The National Museum in Maldives, in fact, encompasses two buildings close to each other. The original building was once the Sultan’s Palace, while the newer building, is a more modern structure; however, its interiors feature elements pertaining to the country’s history such as the engravings on the wall of a handwritten Qur’an.
A Step Back in Time
One of the best things to do in Male is to visit this museum and find out more about the period of the Sultans; the museum features royal ceremonial robes, antiquities, thrones, furniture, palanquins and more. You can also learn about the country’s pre-Islamic period showcased through items such as a coral stone head of Lord Buddha from the 11th century.
Other Notable Highlights
Amongst the other key items of interest are various ancient manuscripts, the nation’s first printing press, musical instruments, weapons, armour and lacquer-work boxes. You can also see an engraved wooden plank (13th century) from the Old Friday Mosque and a Longman’s beaked whale skeleton too
