Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these stakeholders who help to advance local economic, social, and environmental growth.

We continue our spotlight on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with an exotic and educational trip to Staten Island to visit the Sri Lankan Art & Cultural Museum. In 2017, at the age of 18, Julia Wijesinghe, launched the opening of the first Sri Lankan museum outside of Sri Lanka.

Born and raised in New York by her Sri Lankan family, Julia’s pride in Sri Lankan culture has always been strong, along with her entrepreneurial spirit that seems to run in the family. In 1995, Julia’s father Lakruwana Wijesinghe, opened New York City’s first Sri Lankan restaurant on Staten Island, named simply Lakruwana.

The museum serves as an important cultural touchstone for those seeking to learn more about Sri Lankan heritage and offers fascinating works of art and education about the herigage and customs of Sri Lanka. Be sure to check them out on Instagram to see how amazing this organization is, and to keep up with fun events and programs.

Next time you’re looking to step away from the city and discover something new, look no further than the Sri Lankan Art & Cultural Museum on Staten Island. Go ahead and take a peek at their gallery and plan a visit. As always, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!