OHC25: W.A. Silva Museum [Open Access]

The W.A. Silva Museum is dedicated to nurturing the future of literature, languages, and visual culture in Sri Lanka. Housed in the historic residence of renowned Sinhala novelist W.A. Silva (1890–1957), the museum continues the writer’s legacy of fostering intellectual gatherings and cultural exchange. 

After Silva’s passing, the house transitioned to the writer’s nephew, W.B.C. Senerath Nandedewa, followed by Most Venerable Wathawana Sirisumana Thero, a leading Buddhist priest. Both subsequent owners shared Silva’s vision to transform the residence into a space connected with language and literature.

Renovated in 2018 with the opening of the museum, the property now houses the Institute of Typography, traditional letterpress and woodtype displays, a co-working studio, and a garden for community gatherings. The building is also used as a collaborative workspace for Mooniak, a Sri Lankan typeface (font) design studio.

Visitors to the property will be able to view an exhibition of drawings of original W.A. Silva first edition book covers, try their hand at letterpress printing, and join Mooniak for a lesson in how fonts are made.

Address: 126, W.A. Silva Mawatha, Colombo 6

Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AWdTYnCPbQ6F89R76

Images ©W.A. Silva Museum