Exploring Tanzania’s Museums
Tanzania takes great pride in preserving its diverse history in various museums, these places offer insights into ancient cultures, colonial history, and the nation’s struggle for independence. Together, they tell the amazing story of Tanzania’s heritage. Here are some of the top museums in Tanzania where you can explore this fascinating history and culture.
Dar es Salaam National Museum
The Dar es Salaam National Museum is situated in is located in Shaaban Robert Street, right next to the botanical gardens in Kivukoni ward of Ilala District. It was set up in 1934 and open to the public since 1940, initially serving as a memorial to King George V. among its displays is one of the king’s old cars.
The museum was expanded in 1963, with the addition of a second building. It is now dedicated to the history of Tanzania. Notable exhibits include the skull bones of Paranthropus boisei, is covered by Mary and Louis Leakey at Olduvai, which are from an ancient human ancestor that live in east Africa around tow millions year ego.
The museum also has a large section dedicated to the Shirazi city-state of Kilwa, along with various items from German and British periods and ancient Chinese pottery. Additionally, it houses collections that explore the diverse cultures of Tanzania. In 2005, the official name of the museum was extended by the addition of “House of Culture” to emphasise the museum’s cultural activities. The National Museum also organises events such as the Tanzanian Culture Festival.
Arusha Declaration Museum
Arusha Declaration Museum was open since 1977, is located in Arusha, in Kaloleni Road. It displays documents on the colonial history of Tanzania the fight for independence, and the Arusha Declaration where the first Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere outlined his political vision. The museum’s primary purpose is to educate visitors about the Arusha Declaration, landmark event in Tanzania history. Through exhibits, photos and artifacts, the museum provides a historical overview of Tanzania’s quest for independence and the aspirations of its founding fathers. More so, Arusha Declaration Museum highlights the declaration’s emphasis on socialism, African self-reliance and the concept of “Ujamaa” (familyhood) as key principles for national developments.
Village Museum
Village Museum is also known as The Kijiji cha Makumbusho, established in 1967, is an open-air ethnographical museum located in Mikocheni ward of Kinondoni. It showcases traditional huts from 16 different Tanzanian ethnic groups. There are also examples of traditional cultivations, and traditional music and dance shows are held daily.
Arusha National Natural History Museum
Arusha National Natural History Museum established in 1987, the Museum in a historic German compound is Tanzania’s main place for natural history. The Museum is situated in Arusha town, the main tourist hub in East Africa. It is housed in the Boma, a former German colonial military compound which was built in 1900s. It has three parts on human evolution, Tanzanian paleontology, and Arusha’s natural history, with exhibits on insects, colonial history, wildlife, and human evolution. It’s an engaging and educational experience with interactive displays. While on your Tanzania museum safari here, you will also have the chance to explore its botanical garden, where you will encounter with variety of tree species local to the Arusha region as well as animals including tortoise, birds, and stingless bees with signs demonstrating their ecological importance.
Dr. Rashid M. Kawawa Memorial Museum
This museum in Songea is dedicated to the first Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Rashid Mfaume Kawawa. It was officially opened on 27 February 2017 and displays documents from his personal and political life.
Iringa Boma
Iringa Boma is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Iringa. It was constructed in 1914 by the German colonial regime to serve as a military hospital. German colonial architecture combined African, Swahili and European styles. After the First World War the British made it their regional administrative centre. The museum now showcases the area’s history, including Iringa’s start as a German military base in 1896. Visitors can also learn about the contributions of African Askari troops and their families.
Old Fort of Zanzibar
The Old Fort of Zanzibar is one of the oldest buildings in Stone Town in Zanzibar. The Old Fort is one of the prominent visitor attractions in Stone Town, and its courtyard has been adapted to serve as a cultural centre with curio shops selling tourist-oriented merchandise such as Tingatinga paintings; it also has an open-air Amphitheatre where live dance and music shows are held most evenings, a restaurant, and a tourist information desk. The historical fort’s courtyard now hosts curio shops selling tinga-tinga paintings, an open-air Amphitheatre for dance and music shows, a restaurant, and a tourist information desk. It is a key venue for events like the Festival of the Dhow Countries, Sauti za Busara, and Zanzibar International Film Festivals.
People’s Palace Museum
The People’s Palace Museum (originally called the Sultan’s Palace), or Beit al-Sahel, is found on Mizingani Road in Stone Town, Zanzibar. After the Zanzibar Revolution, in 1964 it was formally renamed to People’s Palace and used as a government seat. In 1994, it became a museum about the Zanzibari royal family and history. Originally the Sultan’s official residence in the 19th century, this three-story building is now a museum showcasing the history and culture of the Zanzibar Sultanate. Inside, you’ll discover furniture, photographs, and personal items from the royal family. The museum is open for tourism cultural safaris from Monday to Friday – 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM | Saturday, Sunday, and holidays – 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
The Olduvai Gorge Museum
The Olduvai Gorge Museum is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Northern Tanzania on the edge of the Olduvai Gorge. The museum was founded by May Leakey and is now under the jurisdiction of the Tanzanian government’s Department of Cultural Antiquities and is managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. It is a museum dedicated to the appreciation and understanding of the Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli fossil sites. The Olduvai Gorge Museum, near East Africa’s famous archaeological site, is nicknamed the “Cradle of Mankind” because it is believed to be the site of found remains of the first human beings to walk on Earth. The Olduvai Gorge Museum is a fascinating journey back in time to the earliest days of mankind. It showcases numerous fossils and stone tools from our hominid ancestors, as well as skeletons of many extinct animals excavated in the Gorge. It educates visitors about the area’s archaeological discoveries, featuring interactive exhibits on human evolution, replicas of important finds, and displays of historical artifacts and excavation processes. It’s a fascinating glimpse into early human history.
Princess Salme Museum
The Princess Salme Museum in Stone Town, Zanzibar, the museum itself is small but full of wonderful artifacts and curiosities alongside a detailed timeline of the Princess’ life. It features two small -room that focuses on the life of Princess Salme, the Sultan of Oman’s daughter. The museum showcases the back date story of Princess Salme, a sultan’s daughter who eloped with a German merchant in the late 19th century and later wrote Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar. Guided tours by Mr. Said Al Gheity, the curator, showcase her clothes, photos, and memories. The museum offers a glimpse into Princess Salme’s fascinating story and the culture of Zanzibar during her time.
Mwalimu Nyerere Museum
Mwalimu Nyerere Museum is located in Mwitongo, Butiama, is famous for preserving the home to Juluis Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania and showcasing his significance role as a national and international figure, particularly as a champion of freedom struggles in Africa. It was established on July 2, 1999. It’s in the village where he was born and buried, showcasing his items and allowing visitors to explore his house and grave. The museum also has a library for those wanting to learn more about his significant legacy. The museum is open for visitors from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
