National Museum — Attraction in Malé

The National Museum of the Maldives, located in the capital city of Malé, is a cultural institution of great significance that showcases the rich history, heritage, and artistic achievements of the Maldivian people. Here are key details about the National Museum:

Historical Significance: The National Museum was established in 1952, making it one of the oldest museums in the Maldives. It serves as a repository of the country's historical and cultural treasures.

Location: The museum is situated in the Sultan Park area of Malé, adjacent to Sultan Park and within easy reach of many other historical and cultural attractions.

Collections: The museum's collections include a diverse range of artifacts, art, and exhibits. These encompass items from different historical eras, such as royal thrones, ancient weaponry, traditional clothing, historical documents, and archaeological discoveries.

Cultural Insight: Visitors to the National Museum gain valuable insights into the Maldives' history, culture, and traditions. The exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the country's evolution over time.

Historical Artifacts: Among the most notable artifacts is a coral stone head of Lord Buddha, believed to date back to the 11th or 12th century, and various objects from the pre-Islamic period, offering a glimpse into the Maldives' early history.

Architecture: The museum building itself is a piece of history, as it was formerly a sultan's palace. Its architectural design and layout add to the cultural charm of the institution.

Visitor Experience: The National Museum offers an informative and engaging experience for tourists and locals alike. It helps visitors appreciate the cultural and historical richness of the Maldives.

The National Museum of the Maldives stands as a testament to the country's enduring heritage and cultural identity. It is an essential stop for those interested in exploring the history and culture of this island nation in the heart of the...

Tickets are $10, only credit cards are accepted, no cash!

Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:00-16:00 Not open for visits on Friday and Saturday!

The museum was originally divided into two parts: the old hall and the new hall. The old hall is currently closed, and all exhibits are on display in the new hall.

But it is still necessary to introduce the history of the old hall: the old hall is located in Sultan Park in the city center, and was originally part of the Maldives palace in the 17th century. It was first opened on November 11, 1952 (National Day) and was founded by Prime Minister Mohamed Amin Didi to preserve history and inspire the patriotism of the people.

The new hall was donated by China in 2010 and officially opened on Independence Day. Currently, only two floors are open for visits:

The lower floor (ground floor): focuses on the early history of Buddhism to Islam, exhibiting Buddha statues, stone carved wood boards, weapons, daily utensils, etc.

Upper floor: modern treasures on display: court supplies (throne, top hat), the country's first phonograph, telephone, mainframe, President Nasheed's "underwater cabinet" meeting minutes, 6-meter-long whale bone exhibition,...

It has been a while since I visited the National Museum and I was pleasantly surprised to see how it's collection and exhibition space had increased. Cultural and historical artifacts and exhibits are spread across two floors, with the Police Museum and Stamp Museum in addition on the ground floor and the Marine exhibits also on the first floor. Every item has a description in Dhivehi and English and there was a curator on each floor who was happy to answer questions. Likewise in the Police Museum the guys there shared some amusing stories that brought the information to life! Unfortunately, the young lady at the entrance of the stamp exhibit was not as knowledgeable but between us with a little help from Google we found the answer we were looking for! Entrance for locals currently 20MVR and for foreigners 100MVR. It took us almost 90 minutes to view in full and it remains a great idea for a rainy day in Male and for anyone with an interest in the history of...