BY AMAIA ELIXMANN LOZA
Located within the historic Boma, just a minute from the Arusha Municipal Council and the Regional Commissioner’s Office, the National Natural History Museum stands as one of the city’s key cultural and historical landmarks.
The museum is also positioned behind the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), placing it at the centre of Arusha’s administrative and conference hub.
The early 20th-century building, constructed during the German colonial period, remains one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, adding historical depth to the museum experience.
Established in 1987, the museum houses collections spanning millions of years. Key attractions include fossils from globally significant sites such as Oldupai Gorge and Laetoli, notably a 1.8-million-year-old hominid jaw. The museum also features exhibits showcasing Tanzania’s biodiversity, including birds, insects and wildlife found in national parks.
Beyond the galleries, the museum grounds provide an added attraction. A landscaped garden with native plants and lifelike animal sculptures is complemented by live turtles and a large tortoise, which often surprises visitors.
“It is one of the few places where history, science and culture come together so effectively,” said one visitor.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entry fees are approximately Shs 15,500 for foreign visitors and Shs 2,500 for East African citizens, with reduced rates for students and children.
In recent years, the museum has evolved into more than a scientific institution. The presence of the Via Via café, local art displays and creative workshops has turned it into a vibrant cultural hub, attracting both residents and tourists.
