International Buddhist Museum | ජාත්‍යන්තර බෞද්ධ කෞතුකාගාරය — Attraction in Central Province

IT WAS AN UPSETTING, BAD, DISAPPOINTING, AND HURTFUL EXPERIENCE FOR ME 😡. This was almost 2 years ago, but I still can't get over it. First of all, I felt like most of the things were made of cardboard; it felt fake. There were old TVs everywhere with signs that said "don't touch," which I found hilarious 😂. That's all I could see because the drama happened at the very beginning, and I left the place feeling embarrassed and hurt. THE BAD EXPERIENCE WAS not entirely my fault, as I wasn't notified before entering, and I never saw a sign prohibiting pictures. I didn’t think that taking photos could be a problem.

What happened was one of the workers saw me taking pictures, pointed a finger at me, and said to another employee, "There she is, she's the one who's taking pictures!" He shouted it out loud as if I were a thief, as though he saw me steal something. Then another guy came up to me rudely and demanded that I delete all the photos and show him my phone and gallery trash to ensure they were deleted.

I explained that no one had notified me and that I hadn't seen any signs, but this rude person with a bad attitude ruined my entire experience at that place and my entire trip to Kandy. Now, every time I think of Kandy, the first thing that comes to mind is this very hurtful experience. It was extremely disappointing and demonstrated very poor customer service. It may have been my fault for not seeing the signs, but I wasn’t there to read signs carefully, was I? I don’t know who those workers were, but they could have explained the situation politely and nicely. Instead, they treated me like I was a piece of garbage, like I was a thief. I don’t know who these people think they are. VERY POOR WAY OF HANDLING THE SITUATION. VERY, VERY HURTFUL 💔. People talk about the religious aspects, but they never address practical situations...

The International Buddhist Museum, located within the premises of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a remarkable destination that offers visitors a deep insight into the global influence and rich heritage of Buddhism. This museum, the first of its kind in the world, is a treasure trove of information, art, and history, dedicated to showcasing the spread of Buddhism across various countries and cultures.

The museum features beautifully curated exhibits from more than 17 countries, including Thailand, China, Japan, India, and Cambodia, among others. Each section highlights the unique interpretations and practices of Buddhism in these regions, presented through artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and audiovisual displays. The harmonious blending of diverse traditions under one roof is a testament to Buddhism’s universal appeal and enduring legacy.

What sets the International Buddhist Museum apart is its serene ambiance and the educational experience it offers. The exhibits are not only visually captivating but also informative, making it an ideal destination for both spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts. Visitors can gain a profound understanding of how Buddhism has evolved over centuries while maintaining its core principles of compassion, mindfulness, and peace.

The museum’s location within the sacred grounds of the Sri Dalada Maligawa adds to its spiritual significance, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Kandy. Whether you are a devout Buddhist or simply curious about world religions, the International Buddhist Museum promises an enriching and...

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...