Traditional Puppet Art Museum Dehiwala
Discover Sri Lanka's hereditary string puppet art, showcasing traditional stories and cultural heritage through large, expressive puppets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Traditional Puppet Art Museum Dehiwala
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Sri Lanka's hereditary string puppet art, showcasing traditional stories and cultural heritage through large, expressive puppets.
"A unique cultural gem, but verify its operational status and show times before visiting."
📞 Confirm Before You Go
Recent reports indicate potential closure. Call ahead or check recent reviews to avoid a wasted trip.
💰 Inquire About Show & Price
Clarify ticket prices and performance schedules upon arrival to ensure value for money.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Sri Lankan String Puppets
Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of large, hereditary string puppets, each weighing 5-10 kg.
Cultural Storytelling Through Puppetry
Witness performances depicting ritual dances, healing rituals, and folk tales with humor and satire.
Unique Cultural Heritage
Explore a unique art form deeply rooted in Sri Lankan social, cultural, and religious traditions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Status Before Visiting
Understand Pricing and Show Availability
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Confirm Before You Go
Recent reports indicate potential closure. Call ahead or check recent reviews to avoid a wasted trip.
💰 Inquire About Show & Price
Clarify ticket prices and performance schedules upon arrival to ensure value for money.
📚 Educational Experience
This small, educational spot offers a glimpse into Sri Lankan heritage.
🚶♂️ Small but Significant
It's a small venue, so manage expectations regarding size.
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Confirm Before You Go
Recent reports indicate potential closure. Call ahead or check recent reviews to avoid a wasted trip.
💰 Inquire About Show & Price
Clarify ticket prices and performance schedules upon arrival to ensure value for money.
📚 Educational Experience
This small, educational spot offers a glimpse into Sri Lankan heritage.
🚶♂️ Small but Significant
It's a small venue, so manage expectations regarding size.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Traditional Puppet Art Museum Dehiwala offers a unique insight into Sri Lankan hereditary puppet art, with large, intricately crafted puppets and performances depicting cultural stories. However, recent visitor feedback suggests potential issues with the museum being closed, higher-than-advertised ticket prices, and a lack of scheduled shows, leading to mixed experiences.
"Puppets are an effective and powerful form of storytelling The Art of Puppetry is found in many countries around the world and is unique to each culture. Sri Lankan puppet art is hereditary and the main reason for this is the social, cultural and religious correlation that exists in the Sri Lankan community. Traditional oblations, devil dances, healing rituals, and Kolam & Nadagam originating in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka have resulted in the birth of inherent puppet characters of Sri Lanka. There is some evidence suggesting the influence of the State of Rajasthan in Northern India on Sri Lankan puppet art. Sri Lankan puppeteers have created a tradition indigenous to the island by combining the art of puppetry with garments and masks associated with traditional baila, thovil, healing rituals and folk dance characters. On average, a Traditional Sri Lankan string puppet weighs between 5 to 10 kilograms, standing at 140 cm (or 4 feet, 6 inches) Several ritual dances including the 18 Sanni healing rituals, along with traditional and religious stories such as Vidura Jathakaya, Kalagola and Dikthala, and Ehelepola Kumarihamy are recreated by puppeteers. Each of these performances incorporates humour, fear, sympathy and satire through traditional music and dialogue to capture the attention of the audience. 34, Karagampitiya, Angarika Dharamapala Mw, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 10350
077 325 9181"
NauroseBanu Azad
"My Google Review # 000100.
Closed down.
We visited in March 2019 and my daughter was very eager to see such a show. Surprisingly....rather disappointingly, when we reached there, we got nothing but one old building with the signage as shown in the picture on the website.
The locals told us that it was closed down weeks/ months ago.
Pl check with your guide before shortlisting this place, as I am not very sure about its reopening."
Nithin M Agarwal
"Interesting place but we were charged high.Though google says the ticket price is 100-200 we were charged 500 each even from the kids.we were not shown the puppet show also.Not worth the price"
Shameema Murshid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 34, Karagampitiya, Angarika Dharamapala Mw, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 10350. You can reach it by local bus or taxi. It's advisable to confirm its current operational status before heading there.
Local buses frequently run through Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, making public transport a viable option. However, due to potential closures, it's best to verify the museum's status first.
From Colombo, you can take a bus heading towards Dehiwala or a taxi. Ensure the museum is open before you depart.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Visitor reports suggest a discrepancy in pricing, with some being charged LKR 500 per person, even children, which is higher than expected. It's recommended to confirm the current ticket price upon arrival.
One review mentioned that children were charged the same high price as adults, so it's best to clarify this when you visit.
Given the potential for closure and varying visitor experiences, advance booking might not be feasible or necessary. It's best to check the museum's current operational status and ticketing policy.
Recent visitor feedback indicates the museum may have been closed. It is highly recommended to call the provided number (077 325 9181) or check recent online reviews for the most up-to-date information on its operational status.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The museum exhibits traditional Sri Lankan string puppets, which are large and intricately made. You can also witness performances that showcase ritual dances and folk tales, incorporating humor and satire.
Some visitors have reported not being shown a puppet show despite visiting. It's advisable to inquire about the performance schedule upon arrival to ensure you don't miss out.
As it's described as a small place, a visit is likely to be relatively short, perhaps an hour or so, depending on whether a performance is available.
One review mentioned that the place is 'not maintaining very well,' suggesting that upkeep might be an issue.
Sri Lankan puppet art is hereditary and deeply connected to the social, cultural, and religious fabric of the community. It draws from ritual dances, healing ceremonies, and folk traditions.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to ask for permission before taking photos, especially during performances, to respect the artists and the cultural significance of the exhibits.
Focus on capturing the details of the puppets and any performance elements. The unique cultural context of the art form itself provides excellent photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for potentially higher ticket prices than advertised, and inquire about rates for children. While the venue is small, the educational value of learning about a distinct cultural art form can be a great takeaway for younger visitors. Manage expectations regarding the size of the venue and the consistency of performances.
🤔 Budget Travelers
Given the potential for closure and the mixed reviews on maintenance, it might be wise to prioritize other attractions if on a very tight budget. However, if the museum is confirmed to be open and offering a performance at a reasonable price, it could still offer a unique cultural experience without a significant financial outlay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Sri Lankan Puppetry
The performances are designed to captivate audiences through a blend of humor, fear, sympathy, and satire. Common themes include ritual dances like the 18 Sanni healing rituals, as well as traditional and religious stories such as Vidura Jathakaya and Ehelepola Kumarihamy. These narratives are brought to life through traditional music and dialogue, making for an engaging cultural experience. There's also a suggestion of historical influence from the State of Rajasthan in Northern India on Sri Lankan puppet art, indicating a fascinating cross-cultural exchange.
The art form has evolved by integrating elements from local traditions like baila music, thovil (devil dances), and folk dance characters. This fusion has resulted in a distinct Sri Lankan puppet tradition that is indigenous to the island. While the museum aims to showcase this heritage, visitor experiences suggest that the current maintenance and operational status might be inconsistent, impacting the overall presentation of this valuable art form.
Visitor Experiences and Recommendations
Pricing has also been a point of contention, with reports of higher-than-expected charges and a lack of puppet shows during visits. This suggests that potential visitors should clarify ticket prices and performance schedules upon arrival to manage expectations and ensure they receive the intended experience. Despite these issues, the museum is recognized as an educational and unique place to learn about Sri Lankan heritage.
For those who do manage to visit when it's open and operational, the focus should be on appreciating the intricate craftsmanship of the puppets and the cultural narratives they represent. It's a small venue, so managing expectations regarding its size is also key. The hereditary nature and deep cultural roots of Sri Lankan puppetry make it a worthwhile subject of exploration, provided the practical aspects of the visit can be navigated successfully.
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