1. National Museum and House of Culture
National Museum and House of Culture is the most visited museum in Tanzania. Previously being King Gorge V Museum, it has now been transferred to the National Museum and House of Culture which showcase the traditions and societal culture of medieval Tanzania and Tanzania today. Some of the key attractions of the museum include the human evolution sector, Ethnography gallery, and Biology Gallery.
The Evolution Section includes the evolution of man from its earliest times and ruins found throughout Tanzania. The ethnography gallery displays paintings showing the rich cultural heritage of Tanzanians. Ornaments, textiles, musical instruments and costumes are part of all this. The Biology gallery shows the diverse wildlife ad ocean life of the region.
One of the attractions of the biology gallery is the prehistorically fish coelacanth which was presumed to be extinct for over 65 million years ago and was seen in Tanzania in 2003. This hall focuses on the ecosystem and alerts mankind to be compassionate towards it. This museum is located at Shaabaan Robert Street in Dar es Salaam and its opening hours are from 9.30 am to 6 pm.
2. Village Museum
Village museum is located on the outskirts of Dar es Salam at Makaburi Street. This museum presents the village life of Tanzania. It’s open-air and shows rural practices and village day to day norms. Villagers over here show handmade handicrafts, wood carvings, and hand weaving. The main part of this museum are the dance performances shown by villagers in the evening. Its opening hours are from 9.30 am to 6 pm.
3. Masai Cultural Museum
Enter into the African tribe Masai culture with a guide Masai warrior by your side. The Masai tribe is a very vibrant tribe of Africa and this museum displays this well.You’ll see a lot of models over here with live background noises, chants, and songs. This museum is located at Meserani Snake Park in Arusha.
4. Mwalimu Nyerere Museum
This museum is dedicated to Tanzania’s first president, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. He was born in this village in 1922. This museum shows various artifacts related to his life. It also shows historical objects in reverence to Tanzania’s independence. Its open daily from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm and is located at Butiama
5. Sukuma Museum
Sukuma Museum is all about Tanzania’s largest tribe, Sukuma. This museum serves to protect the cultural heritage of this tribe. It was founded in 1960s by Late Father David Clement. You’ll find traditional Sukuma art over here including buildings, Royal Pavillon, Dance Pavillon etc. Drums, Costumes, weapons are all attractions of this museum. It’s located at Bujora Paris in Mwanza.
6. Arusha Declaration Museum
This is a political museum of Tanzania because it was here that the Arusha Declaration was accepted by Tanganyika African National Union which was big political milestone for the country. This museum exhibits the history of Tanzania from the pre-colonial time to what it is today. There is a gallery too where local artist works are presented. It’s open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Have you been to any museums in Tanzania? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits (Wikimedia CC): National Museum Artwork by African Artist