Botswana Museums and Art Galleries

(Botswana, BW, Southern Africa)

Whilst Botswana has relatively few museums, those that have been set up offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's culture and heritage. The National Museum and Art Gallery situated in Gaborone is by far the largest and most important, and definitely the one to visit if your time is limited.

However, various traditional museums have sprung up in Botswana's smaller towns and cities from the 1980s onwards. These particular cultural attractions have gradually started to become increasingly popular with visitors in recent years and are very much worthy of a look if you are in the vicinity.

National Museum and Art Gallery

Address: 331 Independence Avenue, Gaborone, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 374 616
Botswana's National Museum and Art Gallery is home to a permanent collection of wildlife exhibits, as well as crafts and paintings by local artists, dating from the 1960s onwards. This purpose-built gallery also hosts a number of exhibitions, many of which are aimed at showcasing the work of local artists. Look out in particular for the original works of Thomas Baines. In the courtyard outside is a collection of transport-related exhibits, including a steam locomotive.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Kgosi Sechele Museum

Address: Main Road, Molepolole, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 592 0917
Housed in the former police station for the town, the Kgosi Sechele Museum features displays of traditional houses, as well as paintings and photos of the local area and people. Highlights include much memorabilia relating to the famous explorer David Livingstone (1813 to 1873).
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00, Saturday- 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Phuthadikobo Museum

Address: Phuthadikobo Hill, Mochudi, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 577 7238
The Phuthadikobo Museum is situated within a building that dates from the 1920s and was originally the Mochudi National School. It was transformed into a museum in the 1970s. This attraction is home to an interesting array of local crafts, together with a collection of photographs depicting the lives of the Bakgatla people taken by the likes of Professor Isasac Schapera, Duggan Cronin and Sandy Grant. A screen printing workshop is based on the site, producing silk-screened goods that are sold in the onsite shop.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Khama III Memorial Museum

Address: Serowe, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 463 0519
Like many of Botswana's museums, the Khama Museum opened in the 1980s with an aim to promote cultural awareness in the area. The main building houses exhibitions which cover the prehistory of the area, the history of the Bangwato and their leaders, including Khama III. Other attractions here include the Bessie Head collection. There are a number of exhibits devoted to this acclaimed writer, such as an authentic replica of the room in which she wrote her stories.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 08:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts for locals, children six years old and under are free

Nhabe Museum

Address: Sir Seretse Khama Road, Maun, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 686 1346
Located in the town of Maun in the north-west of Botswana, the Nhabe Museum is a great place to visit if you want to find out more about the history and culture of the Okavango region. Its collection comprises everything from wildlife exhibits to traditional craftwork, and from examples of fine art to photography. The building itself has an interesting history. Built by the British army, it was used as a military post during the Second World War.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Supa Ngwao Museum

Address: Government Camp, Francistown, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 240 3088
Francistown's only museum, the Supa Ngao features a varied array of exhibits which depict the heritage of local people and the town itself. As well as pictures and traditional craftwork, the collection also includes farming equipment and musical instruments. In the gift shop, visitors can purchase craft items made by some 200 local artists, often making the perfect holiday gift.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Kuru Museum and Cultural Centre

Address: D'Kar, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Located in the town of Maun in the north-west of Botswana, the Nhabe Museum is a great small attraction and offers an interesting permanent exhibition on the culture of the local Basarwa people. Built both to inform visitors and to promote local culture within the community, the cultural centre focuses on traditional dance and music.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge