
International Buddhist Museum
Explore Buddhism's global journey through artifacts and art from 17+ countries in a stunning Victorian palace.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

International Buddhist Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Buddhism's global journey through artifacts and art from 17+ countries in a stunning Victorian palace.
"A must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or Asian history, showcasing its global spread."

📸 No Photography Allowed
Remember, photography is prohibited inside the museum. Be mindful of the rules.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the diverse exhibits.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Global Buddhist Heritage
Explore exhibits from over 17 countries, showcasing Buddhism's diverse spread and practice worldwide.

Sri Lankan Buddhist History
Discover the unique history and rich Buddhist traditions of Sri Lanka within the museum's dedicated section.

Victorian-Era Architecture
Admire the beautiful Victorian-era building, a former palace, that houses the museum's extensive collections.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Photography Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 No Photography Allowed
Remember, photography is prohibited inside the museum. Be mindful of the rules.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the diverse exhibits.
📍 Location within Complex
The museum is located within the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
A gift shop offers souvenirs at reasonable prices on the ground floor.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 No Photography Allowed
Remember, photography is prohibited inside the museum. Be mindful of the rules.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the diverse exhibits.
📍 Location within Complex
The museum is located within the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
A gift shop offers souvenirs at reasonable prices on the ground floor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the International Buddhist Museum for its comprehensive exhibits showcasing Buddhism's global reach and its historical significance. The beautiful Victorian-era building and its location within the Temple of the Tooth Relic complex are also highlighted as major draws. Some find the no-photography rule restrictive, and it can get crowded during peak times.
"The International Buddhist Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or Asian history. It's housed in a beautiful Victorian-era building that was once the palace of a Kandyan king, and the exhibits cover the history and spread of Buddhism from its origins in India to its present-day practice in countries around the world.
The museum is well-organized and easy to navigate, and the exhibits are well-curated and informative. There are artifacts from all over Asia, including statues, paintings, manuscripts, and textiles. There's also a section on the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, which is particularly interesting given the country's long and rich Buddhist tradition.
I was particularly impressed by the museum's collection of Buddhist art. There are some truly stunning pieces on display, including a large statue of the Buddha from Afghanistan and a collection of beautiful Tibetan thangkas.
The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and admission is SR 2000. It's located in the heart of Kandy, just a short walk from the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
The museum can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
There is no photography allowed inside the museum.
There is a gift shop on the ground floor where you can buy souvenirs (reasonable price).
Overall, I highly recommend the International Buddhist Museum to anyone visiting Kandy. It's a great place to learn about Buddhism and its rich history and culture."
Monzer Bouwadi (Monzer.b.)
"Sri Dalada Maligawa kandy has established the International Buddhist Museum (IBM) to showcase the expand of the Buddhism throughout the Asia and rest of the world.This is the only museum which demonstrates the expanding of Buddhism all around the world.
By the 2600th year of the sambuddatva jayanthi,the Buddha dhamma has developed its status from the simple philosophy of the lifestyle of mankind enunciated in early Buddhist thought to highly developed ritualistic religious system. From its birth place, India, Buddhism as a religion, has spread to different parts of Asia, South – East and far East. While the message of the Buddha is currently being perused in the wide context in the modern world. It is interesting to note the different systems followed in the practice of Buddhism, both Theravada and Mahayana, by the respective countries."
Prasad Lokubalasuriya
"The museum offers a great overview of the history, variety, and practice of Buddhism around the world. It's definitely worth a visit, especially when you're in Kandy to see the Temple of the Tooth."
Gayan Perera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The International Buddhist Museum is located within the premises of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It's easily accessible by tuk-tuk or taxi from most parts of Kandy.
Yes, it's conveniently situated within the Temple of the Tooth Relic complex, making it easy to visit both attractions together.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is SR 2000. It's advisable to check for any recent price changes upon arrival.
The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or inquire locally, especially during peak tourist seasons.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum showcases the history and spread of Buddhism across more than 17 countries, featuring artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and audiovisual displays.
Yes, the museum can be educational for children interested in history and different cultures. However, the no-photography rule might be challenging for younger visitors.
As it's located within a religious complex, modest dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no specific dining facilities within the museum itself, there are numerous local eateries and restaurants in the vicinity of the Temple of the Tooth Relic complex offering Sri Lankan cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is not allowed inside the museum. However, you can take photos of the beautiful Victorian-era building from the outside and the surrounding Temple of the Tooth Relic complex.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's best to visit during quieter times, like weekday mornings, to allow children to move around more freely without feeling overwhelmed. The museum's location within the Temple of the Tooth Relic complex also means you can combine the visit with other family-friendly activities in Kandy.
🤓 History & Culture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the artifacts and art pieces from various regions, as they provide unique insights into the cultural adaptations of Buddhism. The museum's setting within a historic palace further enhances the immersive historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Global Buddhism
Visitors can expect to see a rich collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts, each telling a story of faith and cultural exchange. The museum's location within the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex in Kandy adds a profound spiritual dimension to the visit, making it a significant stop for those interested in religious history and cultural heritage.
This museum serves as a testament to Buddhism's enduring legacy and its ability to foster peace and mindfulness across different societies. It's an ideal place for both devout Buddhists and curious travelers seeking to understand the global impact of this ancient religion.
Architectural Charm and Historical Significance
Its location within the Sri Dalada Maligawa complex is not coincidental. The museum was established by the Temple of the Tooth Relic to further its mission of disseminating Buddhist teachings and showcasing its global influence. This strategic placement ensures that visitors can easily integrate a visit to the museum with their pilgrimage or exploration of one of Sri Lanka's most sacred sites.



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