Struggling to build a livelihood, to feed their children and to take care of their families was their main priority. It is only with urbanization and globalization that the Maldives has began to focus on art and to make concentrated efforts to promote it. As a result there aren’t many museums or art galleries in the Maldives. National Museum of the Maldives: the national museum was opened more than 50 years ago in the grounds of the Sultan’s demolished palace. It houses an extensive collection of artefacts that provide an insight into the different historical periods of the Maldives from pre-Islamic days to the present. National Art Gallery: the national art gallery was opened in 2005 to support and encourage local artists. For its opening the gallery exhibited paintings by 29 local artists using a variety of media including oil, watercolour and ink. Since then the gallery has held several exhibitions by local and international artists.
131 Majeedhee Magu. Open: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 13.30. | 
