The national museum of Maldives was opened on the 11th of November 1952 on the national day of the country by Prime minister Mohamed Amin Didi. The structure was developed by Chinese funds and gifted to the Maldives in 2010.
Opening hours
The museum is open from Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 4pm except of Fridays and Saturdays. Admission tickets at varied prices could be bought at the entrance from 9am onwards.
Location
The museum is located in Chaandhanee Magu, Malé, Maldives in the old palace grounds across the Medhu Ziyaarai Magu (street). Being one of the major tourist attractions in the country, the national museum is only a day trip from the beach resorts in associated tourist islands of the country such as Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon or a mere walk away from your best Maldives Resort in Male.
Overview
The museum complex is composed of two large buildings disconnected by the sultan park. The entrance to the main hall is through the gates of Chandanee Magu. The old building of the premises dates back to the 17th century and is part of the Maldivian royal palace compound. The new building also located in sultan park was gifted by the Chinese government.
Artifacts
A range of artifacts including the relics of the pre-Islamic period, royal costumes, thrones, shoes, furniture and historic arms are found in the museum. The 11th century coral stone head of Lord Buddha and a 13th century engraved wooden plank is among the highlights of the premises.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+