Wizara Ya Utalii Na Mambo Ya Kale

★★★★★ 4.4/5 (416 reviews) Very Good

About This Museum

Tucked away on bustling Mapinduzi Road in Stone Town, this place feels more like a grand old government house than a typical museum—which, of course, it was. Stepping inside is like walking into the administrative heart of the old Zanzibar Sultanate, where the air is thick with stories of spice traders and sultans. You won't find endless glass cases here; instead, you're surrounded by the very rooms where history was made. It’s a quiet, almost intimate glimpse into the island's layered past.

Collection Highlights

The main draw is the building itself and its original furnishings that speak of 19th-century Omani influence. Look for the ornately carved wooden doors within, which are artworks in their own right, and historical documents that chart the island's journey.

Visitor Information

It's easy to find on Mapinduzi Road—just look for the grand, whitewashed building. Since it's a working government office (the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities), it's best to check locally for opening hours before you wander over.

Architecture & Building

A classic example of a Zanzibari colonial-era government building, with a stately white facade, high ceilings, and a spacious veranda designed to catch the sea breeze.

Contact & Location

Address: Zanzibar City مدينة زنجبار, Mjini, Unguja Mjini Magharibi, Zanzibar زنجبار, 71109, Tanzania

Phone: +255 777 681 054