The Abhayagiriya Museum
The Abhayagiriya Museum is located within the ancient monastery complex of Abhayagiriya in Anuradhapura. It was opened for public exhibition on 13th June 1992. The museum, which was designed in ancient Panchavasa monastery plan was constructed by the Central Cultural Fund under financial aid from the People’s Republic of China. The Abhayagiriya Museum is named as ‘Mahatissa-Faxian Cultural Complex’ in order to commemorate Ven. Kupikkala Mahatissa, the first incumbent of the Abhayagiri Maha Vihara, and Ven. Fa-Xian, the Chinese Buddhist monk who studied Buddhism at the Abhayagiri Maha Vihara from 411 to 412 AD. It centers upon the Abhayagiriya archaeological complex.
The main purpose of this museum is to manifest through artefacts that were recovered from Abhayagiriya that Sri Lanka was a prosperous country which flourished through international relations, and a country where arts and technology harmonised remarkably.
Artefacts at display at this museum exhibit a wealth of information on ancient metallurgy, writing, religious customs, sculpture and art, ancient architecture, art techniques, hygiene, environmental conservation methods, hydrological technology, monastic administration, and time management that existed at the ancient Abhayagiri Vihara from 1st century BC to 11th century AD.
The gallery plan consists of the inner gallery and outer gallery. The following artifacts are exhibited in these two galleries :
Copper objects
Iron objects
Limestone statues
Reliquaries
Bronze Buddha statues
Mahaya Buddhist artefacts
Standing Buddha statues
Samadhi Buddha statues from Mahavihara
Chinese porcelains
Gold and silver objects
Beads and artefacts made of minerals
Eight auspicious objects
Ancient coins
Limestone objects
Visitor Facilities
Lavatory facilities
Assistance from Information Officers for guiding inside the museum
Book Shop and Souvenir shop
Visitor Activates
Educational programmes (providing knowledge for A/L students’ educational assignments, and providing training and information for university students’ and researchers’ dissertations.
Conducting monthly lectures and workshops.
Temporary Exhibitions
2012 – Buddha statues and Reliquaries found from Abhayagiri Vihara
