The National Art Gallery- A National Disgrace.

Is this the worst ‘National Gallery’ in the world?

I dropped in at our nation’s premier public art gallery the other day to find it in shambles. Now the National Art Gallery at Green Path has never been one of the world’s great art collections but its current state is deeply unacceptable – it’s quite possibly the worst national-level art gallery in the world.

The entire collection is devoid of even a single label or explanation so working out which painting is by which artist is a matter of pure guesswork. Is it from the 80s or the 1880’s by Ivan Pieris or a kid from the art-school up the road- it’s impossible to tell. There is actually not one smidgen of writing in the entire gallery (perhaps it’s super post-modern?) but this lack of labeling isn’t even the major problem.

The real issue here is the rank neglect- the paintings, whoever they are by, are actively decaying- frames are broken, there is visible damage from water and damp, large patches of mold and in at least one case the glass front of a painting is completely and visibly shattered. I really can’t imagine there are ‘national’ galleries elsewhere that display paintings with shattered fronts. Given that billions of rupees seems to be available for beautifying, particularly the wealthier parts of the city – Cinnamon Gardens, Rajagiriya,- it seems like something of an omission that no one has made effort to beautify what should be among the city’s major repositories of beauty.

Spot the damage and mold.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Browns Hotels Opens Turtle Conservation Hub at Dickwella Resort

On 23rd May, to celebrate World Turtle Day, Browns Hotels & Resorts (BHR) began a

Trending

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Yamu Guide.

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

A Curated List of 9 Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide