Nelum Pokuna Theatre
Colombo's main performing arts theatre, opened in 2011, with a curved, petal like design inspired by the 12th century lotus pond at Polonnaruwa.
The Nelum Pokuna Theatre, officially the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, is Colombo's main performing arts centre. It opened in December 2011 near the Colombo National Museum, and it hosts concerts, dance performances, plays and cultural shows throughout the year, from traditional Sri Lankan dance to international acts.
The building is the main reason most visitors stop by. Its design is inspired by the Nelum Pokuna, the 12th century lotus pond at Polonnaruwa, which is shaped like an opening lotus flower. Here that idea becomes a curved, layered structure that rises in tiers like petals, wrapped in a lattice that is especially striking when the theatre is lit up at night. The main auditorium seats well over a thousand people.
You cannot usually wander inside freely, but the building is worth a look from the road and the grounds, and the best way to experience it is to catch a performance. Check the theatre's programme and buy tickets in advance for popular shows. Dress smartly for evening performances, and arrive a little early, since parking and traffic around Cinnamon Gardens can be slow.
The theatre is easy to combine with the National Museum, Viharamahadevi Park and the Town Hall, all within a short walk or tuk tuk ride.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free to view from outside. Show tickets are sold separately for each performance.
- Opening hours: Depends on the performance programme
- Time needed: 15 minutes to view, or an evening for a show
- Best time: In the evening, when the building is lit up or a show is on
How to get there
In Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7), close to the National Museum and Viharamahadevi Park. Easy to reach by tuk tuk.