Calling all art lovers traversing the magnificent lands of Sri Lanka! Make time to discover the myriad art galleries and centres during your sojourns, for the Pearl of the Orient is known for its exotic arts and cultural scene. It is unlikely that you will leave some of these places empty-handed, for the eye-catching artworks will make excellent mementoes and souvenirs for your trip.

Saskia Fernando Gallery

Hashan Cooray’s Artwork | Image credit: Saskia Fernando Gallery

A must-visit art gallery in Colombo is the Saskia Fernando Gallery, which spotlights established and emerging local artists. The main gallery is a renovated warehouse with exhibitions that change quite frequently. These artworks created by contemporary Sri Lankan artists feature vibrant pieces, including colourful abstract paintings, landscapes, and multimedia works. With the gallery’s dedication to strengthening the local art scene, Saskia Fernando Gallery recently launched #SupportLocalArt: The Talk Series, an online presentation of conversations about Sri Lankan art — and we totally support that!

Address: 41 Horton Place, Colombo, 00700, Sri Lanka 
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM

Paradise Road The Gallery Café

Image credit: Paradise Road Sri Lanka

Next on the list of art galleries to visit in Colombo is Paradise Road The Gallery Café – Saskia Fernando’s sister gallery. Paradise Road The Gallery Café was founded in 1998 and has since become a Colombo institution renowned for its local style, architecture and cuisine. The gallery cafe holds rotating exhibits of paintings, photography, and installations. They represent over 50 Sri Lankan artists, so you’re sure to discover new talent each time you visit. And the best part? You can enjoy delicious food from the award-winning restaurant and cafe downstairs, all while admiring the art on the walls at the same time.

Address: 2 Alfred House Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10 AM – Midnight

Barefoot Gallery

Image credit: Barefoot Gallery

Art lovers will delight in making a visit to Barefoot Gallery, for it hosts a wide variety of art exhibitions, installations, concerts, poetry readings, performances and film nights.  A dynamic roster of exhibitions ensures that the gallery earns a top spot in influencing and cultivating the art scene and talents of the city. Be sure to browse through the bookshop and boutique located within the compounds, for you will find an eclectic mix of beautiful crafts in a myriad of eye-catching colours. When you feel peckish, stop by for some delicious pasta at the gallery’s café.

Address: Galle Rd, Colombo 00400, Sri Lanka
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM

Exotic Roots Art Gallery

Image credit: Exotic Roots Gallery

Step into Exotic Roots Art Gallery, and you will find yourself surrounded by an explosion of bright colours with lots of natural and tropical details. This attractive boutique contains a wide range of design ware, clothes and prints created by French artist Catherine. It’s a one-stop shop where you can admire exquisite art, shop for artisan handicrafts, and sip on ice-cold lattes. Holidaymakers on the lookout for unique souvenirs will find what they seek here, for the artworks and crafts on display are a far cry from run-of-the-mill products sold elsewhere.

Address: 33 Lighthouse St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10 AM – 7 PM

Lionel Wendt Art Centre

Image credit: Lionel Wendt Art Centre

The minimalist structure and expansive compounds of Lionel Wendt Art Centre create an excellent platform for exhibiting art and photography works, as well as hosting dance, theatre and musical performances. Containing two gallery spaces and a commodious theatre that seats six hundred, the art centre is often selected to host large-scale musicals and English productions, as well as host art workshops and training. It remains the only multi-purpose cultural centre in Colombo where artists and creatives come together to showcase their talents.

Address: 18 Guilford Crescent, Premasiri Khemadasa Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM

Art Way Gallery

Image credit: Art Way Gallery

Situated in the suburb of Nugegoda, within a striking colonial manor house known locally as a ‘Walauwa’, you will find one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive and exciting art venues. Since opening its doors in 2009 by artists Sudath Abeysekara and Achala Gunawardene, Art Way Gallery has sought to showcase the diversity of Sri Lankan contemporary and traditional art, ranging from abstract pieces and installations to still life, portraits, sculpture, and more. The gallery often hosts workshops and classes for aspiring Sri Lankan artists of all ages.

Address: 543/G, Withanage Ave Hokandara Rd, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, sri jayawardanapura 10116
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 AM – 6 PM

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