Who set up the museum?

The Temple of the Tooth, in 2011.

Which countries are represented?

Countries from Japan and Korea to Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh, among others.

Is there an audio guide?

Pick one up if offered; the galleries make more sense with it.

Who will enjoy it most?

Culture and history readers who want to compare Buddhist traditions.

It is quieter than the Temple of the Tooth.

What is near International Buddhist Museum?

Explore the area on this page lists 5 places around International Buddhist Museum, with the distance to each.

Can I ask a question about International Buddhist Museum that is not answered here?

Yes. Use "Ask a question" under "Travelers are asking" on this page. The bookingMentor team answers it, and the answer then appears on the page for other travellers too.

When is the best time to visit Kandy?

The best time to visit Kandy is Jan to Mar. The driest months, with under 80 mm of rain and highs near 28-30C.

Which airport is closest to International Buddhist Museum?

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the airport for International Buddhist Museum, about 84 km away in a straight line.

International Buddhist Museum

Q: What does the museum show?

How Buddhism spread across Asia, through statues, models and photographs.

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Royal Palace Complex, Kandy, Sri Lanka

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In short

The International Buddhist Museum sits in Kandy's old royal palace complex next to the Temple of the Tooth, set up by the temple in 2011, with galleries for 17 countries showing how Buddhism spread across Asia through statues, models and photographs. Entry is ticketed. About an hour gives useful context after visiting the temple.

The International Buddhist Museum in Kandy, Sri Lanka, sits inside the old royal palace complex next to the Temple of the Tooth and the National Museum of Kandy. It shows how Buddhism spread across Asia through statues, models and photographs, and it suits travellers who want context after seeing the temple.

Founded in 2011 by the Temple of the Tooth

The Temple of the Tooth established the museum in 2011, with contributions from 17 countries. The site was once the palace of the Kandyan king Wimaladharmasuriya; the British later put up a Victorian building there for the Kandy Kachcheri, the district administration.

Seventeen galleries, one for each contributing country

Each contributing country has its own gallery: Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Bhutan and Afghanistan. It is a good stop for travellers who want to compare Sri Lankan Buddhism with traditions from Thailand, Japan, Tibet and elsewhere, and a Sarnath-style Buddha greets visitors near the front.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed November 4, 2026 · Updated when rules or prices change

We check practical details such as entry rules, seasons and costs against official government and tourism sources.

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Key information

🏛️Opened: 2011, by the Temple of the Tooth

🌏Galleries: 17 countries

⏱️Visit length: About 1 hour

🎧Audio guide: Recommended if offered

🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)

Explore the area

View in a map

Royal Palace of Kandy 30 m

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic 40 m

National Museum of Kandy 100 m

Kandy Lake 170 m

Udawattakele Forest Reserve 480 m

See all about this area

✦ Plan your visit to International Buddhist Museum Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.

Highlights Include:

Experiences

Country galleries
Statues and models
Photographs of Buddhist sites