This well-designed modern museum charts the history of the waters of Galle. Opened in 2010, it is the culmination of underwater archaeological surveys undertaken in the natural harbour since Galle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. An international team has explored twelve wrecks, some of which date back to the time of Indo-Arab trade in the 13C. Four of them have been added to the museum's collections, including two 17C ships: Avondster and Hercules.