The National Museum contains an impressively large and well-maintained collection of artefacts that trace the history of the secluded island nation. However, during a protest against the government in 2012, a group of religious extremists broke into the museum and destroyed almost all artefacts that preceded the Maldives pre-Islamic period.
Location
The museum is in the Sultan Park. The park itself looks like a museum. It belongs to the 17th century. A native will tell you that there was an old building. If you are planning on visiting the museum, book your stay in one of the Maldives luxury resorts the likes of Baros Maldives to get the best out of your vacation.
Malé’s rich legacy
Although it may not impress you by the outer look, the National Museum of Maldives is home to a wide range of historic artefacts. It leads you to extraordinary facets of the island’s long history. If not for the museum, you will never ever get an opportunity to get an idea of the island’s isolated history.
Ground floor
Your journey begins on the ground floor with galleries. These galleries invite you to take a glimpse at Maldives during its medieval period. It canvases a picturesque portrayal of men battling with weapons while some act under religious fanaticism.
First Floor
On the next floor, you enter the modern period. Lacquer-work boxes await you to witness the Maldivian antique technology. The island’s first gramophone, telephone and even the computer used during the first stages of its arrival (a massive one) have settled down at this museum.
