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 last week (Apr 06), in the presence of the Minister for Tourism Harin Fernando and Chairman of Mirissa Hills Miles Young.
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.” (Newswire)