International Buddhist Museum
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International Buddhist Museum

4.6
·269 reviews·Kandy, Sri Lanka

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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International Buddhist Museum

International Buddhist Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(269 reviews)

"A must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or Asian history, showcasing its global spread."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Global Buddhist Heritage

Global Buddhist Heritage

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

Instagram
Sri Lankan Buddhist History

Sri Lankan Buddhist History

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

Reddit
Victorian-Era Architecture

Victorian-Era Architecture

Admire the beautiful Victorian-era building, a former palace, that houses the museum's extensive collections.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

To avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekends and holidays can get busy, so weekdays are generally preferable for a more contemplative visit. Reddit

Photography Rules

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. While some visitors have reported success in requesting permission from guards, it's best to assume no photos are allowed to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Avoid midday rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

මම බණ කියන්න සල්ලි ගන්නේ නෑ - කත්නොරුවේ සිරිධම්ම ස්වාමීන් වහන්සේ 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐀 𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐀 | 𝐆𝐞𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐮 𝐉𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐰𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨 කත්නොරුවේ සිරිධම්ම ස්වාමීන් වහන්සේ සමග 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐀 𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐀 සම්පූර්ණ වැඩසටහන. #mathakapada #gemunuwanninayake #gemunu #මතකපද #podcast #KathnoruweSiridhammaHimi #srilankan #buddhisttemple #buddhism #srilankabuddha #poyaday #buddhists #fyp #foryou #viral #tiktokviral
@mathakapada
58.4K likes • 708.6K views

📸 No Photography Allowed

Remember, photography is prohibited inside the museum. Be mindful of the rules. Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the diverse exhibits. Reddit

කත්නෝරුවේ සිරිධම්ම හිමියන්ට දැනෙන්න කීවා 🙂#singing #foryou #srilanka #mr_shashiyah #creatorsearchinsights
@mr._shashiyah
29K likes • 201.6K views
International Buddhist Museum #nature #travel #buddhist
umesh_avidimu_srilanaka
0 likes • 13 views

📍 Location within Complex

The museum is located within the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex. Instagram

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

A gift shop offers souvenirs at reasonable prices on the ground floor. Reddit

The International Buddhist Museum (World Buddhist Museum) is in Kandy, Sri Lanka, within the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex. It showcases Buddhism’s history across 17 countries with artifacts and exhibits. 🩵
explore_with_me_pm
8 likes • 169 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 No Photography Allowed

Remember, photography is prohibited inside the museum. Be mindful of the rules. Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the diverse exhibits. Reddit

📍 Location within Complex

The museum is located within the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex. Instagram

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

A gift shop offers souvenirs at reasonable prices on the ground floor. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(269 reviews)

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

Global Buddhist exhibits
Historical building
Location within temple complex

What People Dislike

No photography allowed
Can get crowded

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. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's conveniently situated within the Temple of the Tooth Relic complex, making it easy to visit both attractions together. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee is SR 2000. It's advisable to check for any recent price changes upon arrival. Reddit

The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The museum showcases the history and spread of Buddhism across more than 17 countries, featuring artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and audiovisual displays. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

As it's located within a religious complex, modest dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Reddit

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The International Buddhist Museum offers an educational experience for families interested in world religions and history. While the exhibits are informative, the strict no-photography rule might be a challenge for keeping younger children engaged. Consider framing the visit as a quiet exploration of different cultures and stories. Reddit

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. Reddit

🤓 History & Culture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about Asian history and Buddhist studies, the International Buddhist Museum is an absolute must-visit. The comprehensive exhibits covering over 17 countries offer a deep dive into the evolution and dissemination of Buddhist thought and practice. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Global Buddhism

The International Buddhist Museum is a unique institution dedicated to illustrating the vast geographical spread and diverse cultural interpretations of Buddhism. It houses exhibits from over 17 countries, offering a panoramic view of how Buddhist philosophy and practices have evolved and adapted across Asia and beyond. From the intricate art of Thailand to the spiritual depth of Japan, each section provides a distinct perspective on the universal message of the Buddha. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Architectural Charm and Historical Significance

The International Buddhist Museum is housed in a magnificent Victorian-era building that was once the palace of a Kandyan king. This architectural gem provides a stunning backdrop to the museum's extensive collections, blending colonial history with Buddhist heritage. The building itself is a point of interest, reflecting the historical layers of Kandy. Reddit

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. Reddit

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