Nairobi National Museum
Activities
The museum features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits showcasing Kenya’s history, culture, and natural world:
- Historical Artifacts: Learn about Kenya’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-independence history.
- Paleontology: Discover fossils and ancient remains, including the famous Turkana Boy, a nearly complete skeleton of a boy from 1.6 million years ago.
- Cultural Displays: Explore artifacts and traditional crafts from Kenya’s diverse ethnic communities.
Visit the Birds of East Africa Gallery, which displays over 900 bird species found in the region. It’s a great spot for bird lovers and anyone interested in East Africa’s rich biodiversity.
The museum also features a rotating art gallery that showcases contemporary Kenyan artists. It’s a space for appreciating modern African art, sculptures, and photography.
Pick up souvenirs at the museum gift shop, where you can buy locally made crafts, books, jewelry, and art that represent Kenya’s culture and history.
As one of the best places to explore human evolution, the museum’s Fossil Hall offers visitors a chance to view important hominid fossils that tell the story of human ancestry.
What To Expect
Exhibits on Kenyan History and Culture:
- Learn about Kenya’s journey from ancient civilizations to modern independence.
- See displays on the country’s diverse ethnic groups and their traditional crafts, tools, and clothing.
- Explore the Cradle of Mankind section, featuring important fossils, including the Turkana Boy, one of the most famous hominid fossils.
Natural History and Wildlife:
- The Natural History Gallery showcases the rich biodiversity of Kenya, including models of wildlife, birds, and exhibits on ecosystems.
- A fascinating collection of fossils and ancient skeletons, showcasing prehistoric life in Kenya.
Art Galleries:
- The art galleries feature contemporary and traditional Kenyan art, with changing exhibits that highlight local talent.
- The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs depicting Kenya’s landscapes, people, and heritage.
Birds of East Africa Exhibit:
- Discover over 900 species of birds found across East Africa in the museum’s bird gallery, which is an impressive display for bird enthusiasts.
Snake Park:
- Next to the museum, you can visit the Snake Park to see live reptiles like snakes, crocodiles, and tortoises, providing a unique experience alongside the museum’s other displays.
Views
Botanical Gardens:
- The museum is surrounded by beautifully landscaped botanical gardens, offering a peaceful escape with a variety of indigenous plant species. It’s a great place for a quiet stroll.
Nairobi Skyline:
- While at the museum, you can catch glimpses of the Nairobi skyline, blending the urban environment with the historical and cultural displays of the museum.
Nature Trail:
- Explore the museum’s nature trail, where you can enjoy views of lush greenery, indigenous trees, and maybe spot some local bird species.
Gifts to Take Home:
- Museum Gift Shop:
- The gift shop offers a range of Kenyan-made crafts, including beaded jewelry, wood carvings, paintings, and textiles, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the country.
- Books and Educational Material:
- You can also find books on Kenyan history, wildlife, paleontology, and African art—perfect souvenirs for anyone looking to dive deeper into the country’s heritage.
- Souvenirs:
- Expect to find a variety of souvenirs such as postcards, prints of Kenyan landscapes, sculptures, and wildlife-themed gifts that you can take home as a reminder of your visit.