The highlight of the National Maritime Museum is its building, which is the seventeenth-century Dutch warehouse. It is a long warehouse, built into the ramparts facing the old port of Galle. The structure has thick walls and solid pillars, which can withstand direct cannon fire. The interior shows some artifacts belonging to Sri Lankan maritime history. The old gate runs through the warehouse. This was the original entrance to the fort of Galle. Both Dutch and British coats of arms can be seen above the entrance. The Dutch coat of arms hovers on the inner side whilst the British coat of arms faces the port side.
