National museum Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
National museum Kenya
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is a state corporation that manages museums, sites and monuments in Kenya. It carries out heritage research, and has expertise in subjects ranging from palaeontology, archeology, ethnography and biodiversity research and conservation. Its headquarters and the National Museum (Nairobi National Museum) are located on Museum Hill, near Uhuru Highway between Central Business District and Westlands in Nairobi. The National Museum of Kenya was founded by the East Africa Natural History Society (E.A.N.H.S.) in 1910; the society's main goal has always been to conduct an ongoing critical scientific examination of the natural attributes of the East African habitat. The museum houses collections, and temporary and permanent exhibits. Today the National Museum of Kenya manages over 22 regional museums, many sites, and monuments across the country.
The East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society was founded in 1910–11 by persons with an interest in nature in British East Africa. The group included two canons of the Church Missionary Society: The Rev. Harry Leakey (father of Louis Leakey) and The Rev. Kenneth St. Aubyn Rogers; some government officials: C. W. Hobley and John Ainsworth, doctors, dentists, big-game hunters and plantation owners. In 1911 they established the Natural History Museum and library with an honorary curator. Aladina Visram put up the money for a one-story, two-room building.
Karl Ragnar Gjertsen Krg
|
This photo was taken by Karl Ragnar Gjertsen.
Please credit this photo Karl Ragnar Gjertsen in the immediate vicinity of the image. |
Guests' reviews
Amazing to learn about the history of Kenya and Nairobi as well as all the animals and tribes that call Kenya home. Make sure you check out the Snake Park and all the cool reptiles they have there. The gift shops are super expensive and so is the museum if you're not a resident.
Adil DhananiJan 17, 2018
National museum....rich cultural resource. Snake park was also great experience and it's within the museum. You can carry your snacks as if our on picnic or choose to eat from the hotels within. Children will also enjoy it, and there's lots of learning for all ages as well as adults. Visit the National MUSEUM
Rachel RobertDec 24, 2017
Big museum, you need a few hours to go through it all. For a geek like me, it was a orgasmic few hours. Best museum I've been to. You can even rent a guide for an extra charge, though every installation is so well explained you don't need one. The bird section and the wildlife models are impressive but the one that amazed me the most were the pre human (home habalis, home erected, Neanderthal etc) skeleton/skull collection
Clara DsouzaMar 3, 2018
Perfect place for a relaxing Sunday. Definitely go with someone and arrive early. I'd say the latest you should get there is 12pm because there is a lot of stuff to see.
Mykal KiruthiFeb 6, 2018
Quite the place if you're looking for tranquil around the City and can also check out ancient art and history. Good air too.
Mercantile YardFeb 19, 2018
An amazing place for the whole family worth a a good visit. Full of stuff to juice up your day. Probably a good idea to carry a drink around though. Its quite a walk around the place with all the interests captivating all the way
Dr. JokerMar 23, 2018
What a superb National Museum this is, it does Kenya proud. Been there 3 times, lots to see. There's an additional Snake Park at extra cost which is well worth visiting. The attached cafe/kiosk is pricey for what it's worth. Annoyed that on one occasion I was asked to pay a tourist price entry fee (which I hate there being different prices dependant on skin colour). My wife managed to argue that I'm a resident and got a lesser price. It's not so dear overall, if you have money to spend then expect a fascinating time. Highly recommended.
Mark RApr 3, 2018
The museum was quite comprehensive and informative with a separate wing dedicated to zoology. It has a stuffed bird exhibit that comprised several hundred species, in addition to a separate one for mammals. The museum also features fossil and reconstruction exhibits of early African Hominids.
Craig LewisMar 30, 2018
It's ok, but in need of some work. Some of the exhibits were missing or didn't have any tags to say what they were, other exhibits were just somewhat lacklustre. It's good for around 1.5 hours bit not much more. The snake pit was also ok, worthwhile if you purchase the joint ticket which, strangely, is cheaper than a single ticket for the museum by itself. If you have to pay extra, then save your money.
Amir TaheriMar 13, 2018
Best place to see anything ancient. You will have fun once you come here. All kinds of snakes too. You have to visit this place if you are ever in Kenya.
Timothy WafulaMay 2, 2018
Awesome culture. The family fun day was awesome. Story telling with Grace wangari. Very innovative. Highly recommended. Time to reconnect with kids.
Joseph KiberaApr 21, 2018
All history in details about Kenya and East Africa you will find here. Starting from animals, ancestors, generations, animals, revolutions struggles events, under colonial rules, skulls, photos, freedom fighters clothes, weapons, currency e.t.c. I was fascinated on one dedicated room of “Birds of East Africa” hundreds wax bird frames on frames with details. I highly recommend a visit if you are in Nairobi it’s worth experience to explore. Wheelchair accessible on most of the entrance / exit points.
Joe NdekiaJun 1, 2018
This is one of the places to visit if touring Nairobi. Its a place very popular with schools and tourist groups. There's a botanical garden as well, ideal for photo shoots and relaxing. The Nairobi Snake Park is also found here. There are departments popular with cultural and scientific research. occasionally there are events held here. The facility is accessible from Kipande Road
Ngumbi GerardMay 16, 2018
The NMK as we know it... Holds great historical memorabilia of Kenya and East Africa... A great institution where one can learn a lot. If you are new to Nairobi, it should be in your itinerary. I am sure you will appreciate the well-informed guides.
Felix KimsMay 26, 2018
Amazing place. Shoes the heritage of the country. Also how humans came into being as well as old technics of hunting, cutting good etc. First telephone in Kenya, the railway tracks. Also on display are the hundreds of bird species and animals in our country. The national museum just amazing.
DA 3 MUSKETEERS MUSKETEERSMay 22, 2018
I visited the National Museum as a chaperone on a school field trip. Given the history of Kenya and the potential for an amazing museum, I was disappointed. The exhibits were poor quality and lacked cohesiveness. The bird hall was neat to see, but I didn't feel like I left the museum knowing much more about Kenyan history than when I entered.
Brandon JohnsonMay 29, 2018
Located on museum hill this national museum has different exhibits showcasing the history of Kenyan people, Kenyan animals, and Kenya as country. The exhibits themselves are actually very thorough. Especially the birds exhibit which is HUGE and the colonial historical period. Why three stars? Many of the exhibits are dusty, the AC/fan doesn’t work properly so you smell a lot of Body odor. There is no delineated order or map so when you walk through you basically see exhibits at random. Also it doesn’t seem updated to include anything recent. Including new infrastructure projects and the corruption problems. Cost for resident is 200 shillings or 2$. Nonresident is 1200 shillings or 12$. Bags need to be checked in for free. There is a snake park also for additional fee.
Kielan D'SouzaJul 26, 2018
A must visit if you have more than a few days in Nairobi. It has lots of colonial history along with the independence movement, something good for foreigners to learn about in a country they’re visiting. It also has some good natural history, some art. Be sure to get the combined ticket so you can visit the snake park afterward
Philip SmartJul 22, 2018
Interesting museum, with a bit of everything: natural history (skeletons, stuffed animals), history of Kenya and anthropological study of it's people. Enough to keep you occupied for a few hours, but I really wish they would light up the place - I visited in a cloudy day and some rooms were really dark. Because of that if I could I'd give it 3,5 stars. The snake place next door is worth visiting too if only to see the huge pythons and the najas.
Pedro Ivo DantasJul 4, 2018
Well worth a day out! Make sure to buy a combined ticket for the museum and the snake park, as this is way cheaper! The snakes are cool, but some of the glass cages have seen their best days years ago. The snakes can not break free, tho... (probably!)
Eivind Eikli HiorthJun 24, 2018
Amazing to learn about the history of Kenya and Nairobi as well as all the animals and tribes that call Kenya home. Make sure you check out the Snake Park and all the cool reptiles they have there. The gift shops are super expensive and so is the museum if you're not a resident.
Adil DhananiJan 17, 2018
National museum....rich cultural resource. Snake park was also great experience and it's within the museum. You can carry your snacks as if our on picnic or choose to eat from the hotels within. Children will also enjoy it, and there's lots of learning for all ages as well as adults. Visit the National MUSEUM
Rachel RobertDec 24, 2017
Big museum, you need a few hours to go through it all. For a geek like me, it was a orgasmic few hours. Best museum I've been to. You can even rent a guide for an extra charge, though every installation is so well explained you don't need one. The bird section and the wildlife models are impressive but the one that amazed me the most were the pre human (home habalis, home erected, Neanderthal etc) skeleton/skull collection
Clara DsouzaMar 3, 2018
Perfect place for a relaxing Sunday. Definitely go with someone and arrive early. I'd say the latest you should get there is 12pm because there is a lot of stuff to see.
Mykal KiruthiFeb 6, 2018
Quite the place if you're looking for tranquil around the City and can also check out ancient art and history. Good air too.
Mercantile YardFeb 19, 2018
An amazing place for the whole family worth a a good visit. Full of stuff to juice up your day. Probably a good idea to carry a drink around though. Its quite a walk around the place with all the interests captivating all the way
Dr. JokerMar 23, 2018
What a superb National Museum this is, it does Kenya proud. Been there 3 times, lots to see. There's an additional Snake Park at extra cost which is well worth visiting. The attached cafe/kiosk is pricey for what it's worth. Annoyed that on one occasion I was asked to pay a tourist price entry fee (which I hate there being different prices dependant on skin colour). My wife managed to argue that I'm a resident and got a lesser price. It's not so dear overall, if you have money to spend then expect a fascinating time. Highly recommended.
Mark RApr 3, 2018
The museum was quite comprehensive and informative with a separate wing dedicated to zoology. It has a stuffed bird exhibit that comprised several hundred species, in addition to a separate one for mammals. The museum also features fossil and reconstruction exhibits of early African Hominids.
Craig LewisMar 30, 2018
It's ok, but in need of some work. Some of the exhibits were missing or didn't have any tags to say what they were, other exhibits were just somewhat lacklustre. It's good for around 1.5 hours bit not much more. The snake pit was also ok, worthwhile if you purchase the joint ticket which, strangely, is cheaper than a single ticket for the museum by itself. If you have to pay extra, then save your money.
Amir TaheriMar 13, 2018
Best place to see anything ancient. You will have fun once you come here. All kinds of snakes too. You have to visit this place if you are ever in Kenya.
Timothy WafulaMay 2, 2018
Awesome culture. The family fun day was awesome. Story telling with Grace wangari. Very innovative. Highly recommended. Time to reconnect with kids.
Joseph KiberaApr 21, 2018
All history in details about Kenya and East Africa you will find here. Starting from animals, ancestors, generations, animals, revolutions struggles events, under colonial rules, skulls, photos, freedom fighters clothes, weapons, currency e.t.c. I was fascinated on one dedicated room of “Birds of East Africa” hundreds wax bird frames on frames with details. I highly recommend a visit if you are in Nairobi it’s worth experience to explore. Wheelchair accessible on most of the entrance / exit points.
Joe NdekiaJun 1, 2018
This is one of the places to visit if touring Nairobi. Its a place very popular with schools and tourist groups. There's a botanical garden as well, ideal for photo shoots and relaxing. The Nairobi Snake Park is also found here. There are departments popular with cultural and scientific research. occasionally there are events held here. The facility is accessible from Kipande Road
Ngumbi GerardMay 16, 2018
The NMK as we know it... Holds great historical memorabilia of Kenya and East Africa... A great institution where one can learn a lot. If you are new to Nairobi, it should be in your itinerary. I am sure you will appreciate the well-informed guides.
Felix KimsMay 26, 2018
Amazing place. Shoes the heritage of the country. Also how humans came into being as well as old technics of hunting, cutting good etc. First telephone in Kenya, the railway tracks. Also on display are the hundreds of bird species and animals in our country. The national museum just amazing.
DA 3 MUSKETEERS MUSKETEERSMay 22, 2018
I visited the National Museum as a chaperone on a school field trip. Given the history of Kenya and the potential for an amazing museum, I was disappointed. The exhibits were poor quality and lacked cohesiveness. The bird hall was neat to see, but I didn't feel like I left the museum knowing much more about Kenyan history than when I entered.
Brandon JohnsonMay 29, 2018
Located on museum hill this national museum has different exhibits showcasing the history of Kenyan people, Kenyan animals, and Kenya as country. The exhibits themselves are actually very thorough. Especially the birds exhibit which is HUGE and the colonial historical period. Why three stars? Many of the exhibits are dusty, the AC/fan doesn’t work properly so you smell a lot of Body odor. There is no delineated order or map so when you walk through you basically see exhibits at random. Also it doesn’t seem updated to include anything recent. Including new infrastructure projects and the corruption problems. Cost for resident is 200 shillings or 2$. Nonresident is 1200 shillings or 12$. Bags need to be checked in for free. There is a snake park also for additional fee.
Kielan D'SouzaJul 26, 2018
A must visit if you have more than a few days in Nairobi. It has lots of colonial history along with the independence movement, something good for foreigners to learn about in a country they’re visiting. It also has some good natural history, some art. Be sure to get the combined ticket so you can visit the snake park afterward
Philip SmartJul 22, 2018
Interesting museum, with a bit of everything: natural history (skeletons, stuffed animals), history of Kenya and anthropological study of it's people. Enough to keep you occupied for a few hours, but I really wish they would light up the place - I visited in a cloudy day and some rooms were really dark. Because of that if I could I'd give it 3,5 stars. The snake place next door is worth visiting too if only to see the huge pythons and the najas.
Pedro Ivo DantasJul 4, 2018
Well worth a day out! Make sure to buy a combined ticket for the museum and the snake park, as this is way cheaper! The snakes are cool, but some of the glass cages have seen their best days years ago. The snakes can not break free, tho... (probably!)
Eivind Eikli HiorthJun 24, 2018
Amazing to learn about the history of Kenya and Nairobi as well as all the animals and tribes that call Kenya home. Make sure you check out the Snake Park and all the cool reptiles they have there. The gift shops are super expensive and so is the museum if you're not a resident.
Adil DhananiJan 17, 2018
National museum....rich cultural resource. Snake park was also great experience and it's within the museum. You can carry your snacks as if our on picnic or choose to eat from the hotels within. Children will also enjoy it, and there's lots of learning for all ages as well as adults. Visit the National MUSEUM
Rachel RobertDec 24, 2017
Big museum, you need a few hours to go through it all. For a geek like me, it was a orgasmic few hours. Best museum I've been to. You can even rent a guide for an extra charge, though every installation is so well explained you don't need one. The bird section and the wildlife models are impressive but the one that amazed me the most were the pre human (home habalis, home erected, Neanderthal etc) skeleton/skull collection
Clara DsouzaMar 3, 2018
Perfect place for a relaxing Sunday. Definitely go with someone and arrive early. I'd say the latest you should get there is 12pm because there is a lot of stuff to see.
Mykal KiruthiFeb 6, 2018
Quite the place if you're looking for tranquil around the City and can also check out ancient art and history. Good air too.
Mercantile YardFeb 19, 2018
An amazing place for the whole family worth a a good visit. Full of stuff to juice up your day. Probably a good idea to carry a drink around though. Its quite a walk around the place with all the interests captivating all the way
Dr. JokerMar 23, 2018
What a superb National Museum this is, it does Kenya proud. Been there 3 times, lots to see. There's an additional Snake Park at extra cost which is well worth visiting. The attached cafe/kiosk is pricey for what it's worth. Annoyed that on one occasion I was asked to pay a tourist price entry fee (which I hate there being different prices dependant on skin colour). My wife managed to argue that I'm a resident and got a lesser price. It's not so dear overall, if you have money to spend then expect a fascinating time. Highly recommended.
Mark RApr 3, 2018
The museum was quite comprehensive and informative with a separate wing dedicated to zoology. It has a stuffed bird exhibit that comprised several hundred species, in addition to a separate one for mammals. The museum also features fossil and reconstruction exhibits of early African Hominids.
Craig LewisMar 30, 2018
It's ok, but in need of some work. Some of the exhibits were missing or didn't have any tags to say what they were, other exhibits were just somewhat lacklustre. It's good for around 1.5 hours bit not much more. The snake pit was also ok, worthwhile if you purchase the joint ticket which, strangely, is cheaper than a single ticket for the museum by itself. If you have to pay extra, then save your money.
Amir TaheriMar 13, 2018
Best place to see anything ancient. You will have fun once you come here. All kinds of snakes too. You have to visit this place if you are ever in Kenya.
Timothy WafulaMay 2, 2018
Awesome culture. The family fun day was awesome. Story telling with Grace wangari. Very innovative. Highly recommended. Time to reconnect with kids.
Joseph KiberaApr 21, 2018
All history in details about Kenya and East Africa you will find here. Starting from animals, ancestors, generations, animals, revolutions struggles events, under colonial rules, skulls, photos, freedom fighters clothes, weapons, currency e.t.c. I was fascinated on one dedicated room of “Birds of East Africa” hundreds wax bird frames on frames with details. I highly recommend a visit if you are in Nairobi it’s worth experience to explore. Wheelchair accessible on most of the entrance / exit points.
Joe NdekiaJun 1, 2018
This is one of the places to visit if touring Nairobi. Its a place very popular with schools and tourist groups. There's a botanical garden as well, ideal for photo shoots and relaxing. The Nairobi Snake Park is also found here. There are departments popular with cultural and scientific research. occasionally there are events held here. The facility is accessible from Kipande Road
Ngumbi GerardMay 16, 2018
The NMK as we know it... Holds great historical memorabilia of Kenya and East Africa... A great institution where one can learn a lot. If you are new to Nairobi, it should be in your itinerary. I am sure you will appreciate the well-informed guides.
Felix KimsMay 26, 2018
Amazing place. Shoes the heritage of the country. Also how humans came into being as well as old technics of hunting, cutting good etc. First telephone in Kenya, the railway tracks. Also on display are the hundreds of bird species and animals in our country. The national museum just amazing.
DA 3 MUSKETEERS MUSKETEERSMay 22, 2018
I visited the National Museum as a chaperone on a school field trip. Given the history of Kenya and the potential for an amazing museum, I was disappointed. The exhibits were poor quality and lacked cohesiveness. The bird hall was neat to see, but I didn't feel like I left the museum knowing much more about Kenyan history than when I entered.
Brandon JohnsonMay 29, 2018
Located on museum hill this national museum has different exhibits showcasing the history of Kenyan people, Kenyan animals, and Kenya as country. The exhibits themselves are actually very thorough. Especially the birds exhibit which is HUGE and the colonial historical period. Why three stars? Many of the exhibits are dusty, the AC/fan doesn’t work properly so you smell a lot of Body odor. There is no delineated order or map so when you walk through you basically see exhibits at random. Also it doesn’t seem updated to include anything recent. Including new infrastructure projects and the corruption problems. Cost for resident is 200 shillings or 2$. Nonresident is 1200 shillings or 12$. Bags need to be checked in for free. There is a snake park also for additional fee.
Kielan D'SouzaJul 26, 2018
A must visit if you have more than a few days in Nairobi. It has lots of colonial history along with the independence movement, something good for foreigners to learn about in a country they’re visiting. It also has some good natural history, some art. Be sure to get the combined ticket so you can visit the snake park afterward
Philip SmartJul 22, 2018
Interesting museum, with a bit of everything: natural history (skeletons, stuffed animals), history of Kenya and anthropological study of it's people. Enough to keep you occupied for a few hours, but I really wish they would light up the place - I visited in a cloudy day and some rooms were really dark. Because of that if I could I'd give it 3,5 stars. The snake place next door is worth visiting too if only to see the huge pythons and the najas.
Pedro Ivo DantasJul 4, 2018
Well worth a day out! Make sure to buy a combined ticket for the museum and the snake park, as this is way cheaper! The snakes are cool, but some of the glass cages have seen their best days years ago. The snakes can not break free, tho... (probably!)
Eivind Eikli HiorthJun 24, 2018
Accommodations near National museum Kenya
Hotel Boulevard
see price.
Taarifa Suites by Dunhill Serviced Apartments
see price.
Norfolk Towers Apartment
see price.
Longonot Place Serviced Apartments
see price.
Lantern Serviced Apartments
see price.
Golden Tulip Westlands Nairobi
see price.
KenGen Furnished and Serviced Apartments
see price.
Home and Away Cozy Studio Apartment number 407
see price.
Kate Apartments, Studios-Mvuli Suites, Nairobi
see price.
Fairmont The Norfolk
see price.
Hotel Boulevard
see price.
Taarifa Suites by Dunhill Serviced Apartments
see price.
Norfolk Towers Apartment
see price.
Longonot Place Serviced Apartments
see price.
Lantern Serviced Apartments
see price.
Golden Tulip Westlands Nairobi
see price.
KenGen Furnished and Serviced Apartments
see price.
Home and Away Cozy Studio Apartment number 407
see price.
Kate Apartments, Studios-Mvuli Suites, Nairobi
see price.
Fairmont The Norfolk
see price.
Hotel Boulevard
see price.
Taarifa Suites by Dunhill Serviced Apartments
see price.
Norfolk Towers Apartment
see price.
Longonot Place Serviced Apartments
see price.
Lantern Serviced Apartments
see price.
Golden Tulip Westlands Nairobi
see price.
KenGen Furnished and Serviced Apartments
see price.
Home and Away Cozy Studio Apartment number 407
see price.
Kate Apartments, Studios-Mvuli Suites, Nairobi
see price.
Fairmont The Norfolk
see price.
National museum Kenya Tours & Activities
Opening times
| Monday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
