Sudan Museums and Art Galleries

(Sudan, SD, North-East Africa)

History buffs can hit Sudan's plentiful supply of museums and art galleries. Most of these can understandably be found located within its capital city, Khartoum.

The best of the bunch is without question the city's National Museum, which ranks amongst the most visited of all the cultural attractions in Khartoum and throughout the entire country. Established in the early years of the 1970s, the National Museum is housed within a slightly older building, which dates from the mid-1950s. Housed securely inside is the most extensive collection of archeological relics and artefacts in the whole of Sudan.

It is well worth making a note that the various smaller museums, galleries and similar institutions of Sudan are also worth a visit, particularly if you are interested in finding out what makes this fascinating country tick.

National Museum of Sudan

Address: Sharia el-Nil, Khartoum, Sudan, SD, Africa
The main museum is a treasure trove of artefacts that date back to ancient Sudan and the Christian Era. Outside, housed in three large buildings, are a large number of Egyptian monuments and temples. These archaeological remains, many of which are almost 4,000 years old, were saved from the flood waters during the creation of the Aswan Dam. Also on display are Christian frescoes that originate from the 8th and 9th centuries.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday - 08:30 to 18:30, Friday - 12:00 to 15:00, Saturday to Monday - 08:30 to 18:30
Admission: charge

Sudan Presidential Palace Museum

Address: Gama'a Street, Khartoum, Sudan, SD, Africa
Step inside the Presidential Palace Museum and the first thing you will see is the Presidential Vehicles Wing, which displays official cars used in Sudan from 1924 on. Other sections of the museum are devoted to oil paintings and photographs, presidential gifts and musical instruments. The museum also documents the period of history that covers the country's fight for independence. Of particular note is the East Wing, which is housed in the former Anglican Cathedral.
Open hours: Friday, Sunday and Wednesday - 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge

Ethnological Museum

Address: Gama'a Street, Khartoum, Sudan, SD, Africa
This small but interesting cultural institution is home to a rich variety of artefacts, from musical instruments to clothing and cooking implements. Together, they help visitors construct a picture of life in a Sudanese village. The museum itself dates back to the mid-1950s. Allow up to an hour to get the most out of your visit and add extra time if you fancy relaxing in the adjoining gardens afterwards.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday - 09:30 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Al-Khalifa House Museum

Address: Omdurman, Khartoum, Sudan, SD, Africa
Originally the home of Abdu-all Al-Ta'eshy, the successor to the Mahdi, the building dates back to 1887. However, it wasn't until the 1920s that this rather modest home was transformed into a museum of sorts. Today, visitors to the Al-Khalifa House can admire artefacts that date back to the Mahdia period of Sudan's history. Exhibits that are of particular interest include chain mail worn at the Battle of Omdurman and Gordon memorabilia.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday - 08:00 to 18:00, Friday - 08:00 to 12:00 and 15:30 to 18:00, Saturday to Monday - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Sultan Ali Dinar Palace Museum

Address: El-Fasher, Sudan, SD, Africa
In 1911, a palace was built in El-Fasher as the residence of Sultan Ali Dinar, a ruler who was noted for his bravery and was the founder of the Darfur Sultanate. The museum has occupied part of this building since the late 1970s, being divided into three wings. Visitors will find that the collection on display comprises a wide range of artefacts, from weapons and flags, to the sultan's throne and kitchen equipment once used in the palace.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:30 to 18:00
Admission: free