By: Staff Writer
April 10, Colombo (LNW): The world’s first Cinnamon Museum was recently inaugurated at the Mirissa Hills Estate in Henwalle, Mirissa, promising an immersive journey into the fascinating history, production, and symbolism of cinnamon.
The Museum was ceremoniously declared open on 06th April 2024, in the esteemed presence of Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister for Tourism and Miles Young, Chairman of Mirissa Hills.
From its ancient roots in Egyptian embalming rituals to its modern-day applications in cuisine and medicine, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the origins of cinnamon, bridging the gap between its production and consumption.
Located amidst the scenic beauty of the Mirissa Hills Estate designed by renowned architect C. Anjelandran, the museum functions as a fully-fledged visitor centre, offering tours and demonstrations of cinnamon peeling, as well as the opportunity to savour local cuisine while staying amidst the lush surroundings.
Miles Young, in his remarks, emphasized the museum’s role in not only showcasing the difference between true cinnamon and its substitutes but also in celebrating the spice’s inherent romance and legendary allure.
He remarked, “Cinnamon is an underexploited asset for tourism in Sri Lanka. Many visitors crave to know what it looks like but have nowhere to go. We will reveal the difference between true cinnamon and poor-quality substitutes.
But we also reveal the world of romance and legend which makes this spice unique. The museum is a celebration of cinnamon but also a tribute to all those who work in the trade and sustain the agricultural economy of Sri Lanka.,”he said.
The world’s only Cinnamon Museum provides a totally unique encounter with the spice which has been associated with Sri Lanka for thousands of years.
In the hart of plantation, it is purpose-designed to provide comfortable accommodation, and set within a secluded courtyard, four air-conditioned bedrooms cater for two persons each.
Each furnished in classic style, and with cheerful contemporary fabrics. Bathrooms with showers (hot and cold running water) and wc’s are en-suite. The rooms are air conditioned.
At night the courtyard is designed to transform into an attractive candle-lit dining area, with an atmospheric bar at one end where one can “chill out” to one’s heart content.
The building is furnished with specially commissioned paintings and sculptures, including a magnificent statue of a Phoenix, symbolizing the legend which describes how the dying Phoenix gathered branches of cinnamon on his last night to create a pyre – which, after his immolation, allowed his successor to be born from within the ashes.
The Museum itself will occupy a space on the upper floor of the building. Contents for it are being gathered from all over the world, and it will be opened to the public in the course of 2010
