5. Heritage Walk in Galle Fort
Combine your visit to the Maritime Archaeology Museum with a pleasant walk around the Galle Fort. Explore the fort’s ramparts, the lighthouse, and its cobblestone streets. While this isn't strictly an activity within the museum, the fort itself is intricately linked to the maritime history housed within the museum walls. A guide can explain the fort's storied past and its role in the international maritime trade. Enjoy the blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture as you soak in panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours · Price: Guided Walk: LKR 2,500 per group (excluding museum ticket)
7. Multimedia Presentation
The museum features a state-of-the-art multimedia presentation room where visitors can watch informative documentaries and presentations about maritime archaeology. These sessions provide valuable context to the exhibits and enhance the overall museum experience. Guests can learn about the significance of undersea exploration, the evolution of maritime technology, and the global connections established through trade and navigation. The presentations are a perfect prelude to the museum tour, setting the historical stage for what visitors will see in the exhibits.
Duration: 30-45 minutes · Price: Included in Museum Entry Fee
8. Photography Exhibition
Immerse yourself in a visual storytelling experience at the Photography Exhibition, where the walls are adorned with captivating images of undersea exploration, excavation sites, and the recovered treasures of shipwrecks. Each photograph is accompanied by detailed descriptions that transport visitors into the world under the waves. The exhibition aims to shed light on the daily life of maritime archaeologists and the beauty that lies beneath the ocean's surface. This activity appeals to a wide spectrum of visitors, including photography lovers and those fascinated with submerged cultural landscapes.
Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Included in Museum Entry Fee
9. Interactive Learning Zone
The museum houses an Interactive Learning Zone designed specifically for children and teenagers, making it a great stop for families. This zone includes touchscreens and engaging activities that teach about shipwrecks, navigation, and the marine environment in a fun and interactive way. Kids can partake in treasure hunts, quizzes, and simulated excavation activities. The Learning Zone helps introduce the principles of archaeology and marine conservation to younger visitors, stimulating curiosity and broadening their understanding of history and science.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Included with Museum Entry Fee
10. Sea Trade Exhibition
The Sea Trade Exhibition is a fascinating sector of the museum that focuses on the historic international trade routes and commodities that were exchanged between Sri Lanka and the rest of the world. Through carefully curated displays of coins, ceramics, and other artefacts, visitors gain insights into the economic and cultural exchanges that have shaped the region. These objects tell stories of ancient alliances, trade agreements, and the early forms of globalization that affected Sri Lanka and the Galle Fort. This activity will captivate those with an interest in economics, trade history, and cultural interactions across the Indian Ocean.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Included in Museum Entry Fee