Find out about the traditions and history of Botswana through art produced by local tribes and artists at National Museum. See many taxidermy displays, including exhibits of stuffed animals and objects from the country's pre-colonial and colonial days. The art gallery section hosts a permanent collection of African and European artworks, allowing you to get a sense of Botswana's cultural development and the influences that helped shape it. The museum hosts a national basket show every August, with baskets of all sizes and designs displayed, along with tapestries and pottery. Use our Gaborone online trip planner to visit National Museum on your trip to Gaborone, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.
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National Museum reviews
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Although it should only open next week, I did manage to get in this part of the mueum because it seemed rather ready to open. But it's not worth the trouble (although, what trouble? it's central and..... more
Although it should only open next week, I did manage to get in this part of the mueum because it seemed rather ready to open. But it's not worth the trouble (although, what trouble? it's central and..... more »
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As of March 2020 It was still shut! The small garden was ok to walk around ... the art gallery (the Octagon) seemed to be open still but was being refitted for a new exhibition. I’m really not sure.... more
As of March 2020 It was still shut! The small garden was ok to walk around ... the art gallery (the Octagon) seemed to be open still but was being refitted for a new exhibition. I’m really not sure.... more »
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The actual museum was STILL under construction (August 2022), but we could enter the gallery. Do not expect a National Gallery like the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town or the British National Gallery in London that displays artworks of historic and stylistic importance - this is a commercial gallery that sells art made by local Tswana artists. The artworks range in quality, but there are some noteworthy pieces. I particularly enjoyed the basketry. The overwhelming focus is on sketches and painting, and there is definitely much talent in Botswana.
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Was really looking forward to visit the one and only museum in Gaborone to learn more about the way of life and culture. Sadly, it's been in renovations for the last five years(!!!) and there is no target re-opening date as of now. I did get to see the outdoor sculptures in the garden and a few displays on the landscape and culture of Botswana people. Really wish I could've seen and learned more. I recommend taking a city tour through the The Botswana Society to learn more about Gabs.
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