Established in 2001, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a critical exploration of the country’s difficult history. With stark and bold imagery and a compelling progression, the story of apartheid unfolds as visitors wind through the museum. To drive home the segregation that plagued South Africa for decades, each visitor is designated a race at the beginning of the trip. The museum is considered the flagship project for telling the history of South African apartheid. Other apartheid museums may be created across the country as time goes on.
Divided into four sections, the Nairobi National Museum in Kenya’s capital city explores the culture, nature, history, and contemporary art of the country. Taking visitors back to the British colonial era, the museum moves through the formation of the nation and the establishment of key infrastructure such as transportation and education. Wildlife enthusiasts may enjoy the exhibits of Kenya’s unique animal kingdom, and ancient artifacts provide key insight into the unique Kenyan national heritage.
Located next to the elaborate botanical gardens in Tanzania’s capital, the Dar es Salaam National Museum has been open to the public since 1940, built initially as a memorial museum dedicated to King George V. While one of the cars that belonged to the king remains on display, the museum is dedicated to the history of Tanzania, and includes exhibits of famous archaeological findings, timelines of German and British rule, ancient Chinese pottery, and an ethnographic collection of Tanzanian cultures.
Named one of the seven wonders for tourists in Nigeria, the National War Museum in Umuahia, Abia State, is the premier destination for those interested in the inner workings of Nigeria’s armed forces, and the history of the nation at war. Including exhibits on the Niger Delta conflicts, the Aba Women Riot, the Enugu Coal Miner Riots, and more, the National War Museum reminds visitors about the evils of war. With a particular focus on civil war, the museum shows visitors the impact of war on Nigeria’s modern state, as well as its international reputation.
Though most people wouldn’t normally think that a museum about the world’s most valuable stamp would be worth a visit, the Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis, Mauritius is much more than that. With extensive exhibits about the history of the island, the Blue Penny Museum offers an illustrated portrayal of Mauritius’s past, as well as an impressive display of the famous blue penny stamp.
The Angola Museum in Luanda contains the historical archives of the country, and is a must-visit for those interested in the making of the modern nation. Luanda is also home to several other museums, each with a specific designation, including the Coffee Museum (a key crop of the country), the Museum of Geology, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Archaeology, the Central Museum of the Armed Forces, and the National Museum of Anthropology.
Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, the National Museum of Ethiopia houses the nation’s artistic treasures, as well as some of the most precious archaeological finds in the world including the fossilized remains of the earliest known hominid, “Lucy.” Beyond the archaeological and artistic wonders, the museum dedicates an entire floor to ethnographic displays that give an overview of the cultural richness and variety of the people of Ethiopia.
The National Museum of Mali, located in the country’s capital, Bamako, explores the archaeological and anthropological history of the country with permanent and temporary exhibits. Beyond dealing with the history of French colonialism and the independence of the Republic of Mali in 1960, the museum also explores the unique culture of the country’s various ethnic groups, and the associated musical instruments, dress, and rituals.
Located in Brazzaville, the Musée National du Congo was founded in 1965 and contains a small but impressive collection of Congolese art and historical artifacts. The museum also houses the mausoleum of Pietro de Brazza, the city’s namesake — an Italian explorer who helped establish French colonies in the region.
The fascinating Musée de la Civilisation, located in Abdijan, was built during the French colonial era to promote all aspects of culture in Côte d’Ivoire, including art, history, and science. It features a variety of exhibits, including those with a ethnological, sociological, artistic, and scientific focus, and has been a popular spot for visitors for years.
