National Museums of Kenya

National Museums of Kenya is a complex of buildings in Nairobi housing collections of natural history specimens, cultural items, and archaeological discoveries spread across multiple sections. The grounds also contain galleries dedicated to art, paleontology, and geology in distinct areas.

The institution was founded in 1910 when British scholars established a natural history museum administered by the East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society. It later expanded into a broader cultural center that brought together collections from across the region.

The institution displays traditional objects from different Kenyan communities, including ceremonial items, historical clothing, and documentary photographs. Visitors can observe how these pieces reflect the daily practices and values of the people who created them.

The grounds are accessible daily and visitors should wear sturdy shoes as there are many areas to explore. Visiting in the morning works best to allow enough time for all exhibitions and to avoid the hottest midday hours.

The grounds house a large snake park along the Nairobi River with live reptiles from the region. This separate section often gets overlooked by visitors but offers an up-close look at local wildlife.

Location: Nairobi

Inception: 1960

Address: Kipande Rd, Nairobi, Kenya

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-17:00

Website: https://museums.or.ke

GPS coordinates: -1.27389,36.81500

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:44