“Museums are places of discovery, contemplation and learning: The Institution of National Museums of Kenya is anchored on four pillars, notably culture, history, arts and nature”, quotes from the Nairobi national museum. I cannot disagree to this undisputed fact, reason, I took my 2 hours in 2022 to discover and learn about the famous Kenyan people at this abode.
From the Central Business District, it took me only 20 mins using an Uber. As soon as I arrived, I was welcomed from the gate with a few realistic-looking arts items, spread out around the courtyard. In addition, visitors are treated to a variety of shopping and dining facilities, as well as botanical gardens that offer a serene environment.
When l stepped into the museum main entrance, I couldn’t avoid the arts shop on the left corner. It was packed with several dozens of Kenyan arts items, all tempting me and requesting to get them for souvenirs. I saw unique things at that place and will recommend passing there to pick up something memorable.
Below are some intriguing facts that will compel you to go to the museum. I wish someone had given me these tips.
What is the history of the Nairobi national museum?
Unlike many museums where the artifacts were gathered by the government, the Nairobi National Museum was founded in 1910 by a group of enthusiastic naturalists. They were under the then East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society [currently the East African Natural History Society (EANHS)]. They wanted a home to preserve their dozens of collections of various specimens.
After changing from several buildings around Nairobi, in 1929, the colonial government constructed the now large edifice at Museum Hill. This huge history abode was inaugurated on the 22nd of September 1930. To no surprise, it was named Coryndon Museum in honour of Sir Robert Coryndon, one-time Governor of Kenya.
It became the National Museum of Kenya (NMK), in 1963 after independence. After several modern renovations, the Museum later re-opened in June 2008 and adopted the new name-the Nairobi National Museum.
Without any debates, this museum represented what I expected it to be from a reputed country like Kenya. I saw people from several countries admiring the artifacts like me. Somehow, I was slightly shocked that, the entrance fees were based on nationality. That is, East Africans could visit for free. All other Africans paid a lower fee, and every other country has a high fee.
A guide was assigned to walk me through by the warmhearted welcome team. But I didn’t expect him to tour the entire massive museum with me. He explained with extensive detail from downstairs, and I politely told him to go because I was comfortable reading and walking at my pace. The entire museum is too big for him to talk throughout.
Amazingly, everything is in English and Swahili, so I could find my way around.
What surprised me the most at the Nairobi national museum?
I expected to see more historical and contemporary items. However, I was amazed when I walked into the large hall of animals that have been taxidermized. Taxidermy is a way of preparing, stuffing and/or mounting an animal for display or study. It usually involves arranging an animal’s real skin over a fake body to make the animal look alive! It is a way of preserving the body so that scientists or Museum visitors can see what the animal was like when it was alive.
Furthermore, it felt like a cheap safari tour, especially as I couldn’t afford the hundreds of dollars or Kenyan shillings to go on a real national park visit. Every stuffed animal I saw looked so real, except the protective glasses didn’t allow me to touch them. From the lion, hippotamous, monkeys to tigers, and a host of others, I could see intentionality in the way the Kenyan government is branding their natural wealth. Make no mistake, Kenya is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.
As I moved around the hall with heads of dozens of animals, I cannot remember now, I was intrigued to see the variety of wild life in this East African tourist hotspot. I bet, it will be amazing to you, too.
Unique museum paintings
One of my many reasons to visit museums is to see pictures and paintings. As weird as that might sound, I enjoy admiring the mixture of the colors, and the detail. Also, the effort used by the artist as they changed their paint brushes. I always struggle to get into the minds of the artists and ask why they did what they did. I know I might not fully understand their reasons because everyone is special, but their thoughts always fascinate me.
The Nairobi National Museum, did not fail to satisfy my curiosity. Several large empty rooms were habitations for the works of numerous Kenyan, Ugandan, and African artists. On the walls, in big, small and large sizes, paintings were hung, a few centimeters from each other, all telling our special African stories.
One of the most appealing ones were the gigantic Kenyan athlete pictures. I recall smiling when I saw them. Indisputably, in Africa and largely around the world, Kenyans are famous for running. Some people have given them the nickname “human cheetahs” because of their speed. In several competitions and marathons, Kenyans have emerged either first or among the first few winners. What a sportive reputation!
Resting my feet for a few minutes on a bench-like section in this massive hall, gave me time to ingest the creativity. For a split second, I had the desire to contact each artist and shake their hands for a job well done. Every piece told a story worth seeing.
Why should you visit the Nairobi national museum?
The easiest way to know about a people is to take a museum tour. I have never met a racist or ignorant person who spent time learning about others. That’s because, you cannot understand why people do what they do until you know their background. That, alone, should be the main reason to visit this cultural well.
Without exaggerating, every section from the permanent galleries: The Cradle of human kind gallery; The Story of mammals; The History of Kenya; Cycles of life gallery; Numismatic exhibition and Asian African Heritage exhibition gallery respectively, has details you will not see anywhere else.
From the origin of Kenya’s different communities and language groups, pre-colonial period, colonial period, interaction among the communities, struggle for independence and independence items, you will have a complete glimspe of how Kenya has developed to become one of Africa’s powerhouses in numerous ways. Seriously, it is impressive to see the growth.
In my several years of traveling abroad, I have met a bunch of Kenyans, some of who are still my friends. As I walked the streets of Nairobi, Mombasa, Daini, I saw determined people willing to improve their lives. Their love for their country is obvious, and they speak with pride about their cultural heritage.
When can you visit the museum?
Do not leave Nairobi without seeing the many things, I couldn’t explain in this blog. The museum claims to be open every day from Monday to Sunday, even on public holiday. From 8:30-5:50pm, the main door opens and closes.
One last fun fact is that, there are night tours on special demand. How cool is that? However, these are only for groups of more than 10 people within 6:00-10:00pm.
Museum website link.
Please comment about what surprised you when you went there below.
If you are a museum fanatic like me, here is a link to my other museum adventures around the world.
