Nairobi National Museum

Nairobi National Museum is Kenya’s principal national museum for natural history, archaeology and cultural heritage, preserving collections that document the country’s biodiversity and human past. The museum’s exhibitions cover paleontology, ethnography, history and contemporary Kenyan culture.

Fossil material and archaeological displays that relate to East Africa’s role in human evolution, extensive ethnographic galleries representing Kenya’s communities, and natural history exhibits on wildlife and plants. The museum also operates an on-site Snake Park and maintains botanical garden areas that support living collections and education programs.

Founded in the 20th century as part of efforts to collect and display Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage, the museum has grown into a national institution for research, conservation and public education. It continues to host temporary exhibitions, research projects and educational outreach.

Located on Museum Hill just south of Nairobi’s central business district, the museum is easily accessible from central Nairobi and is often visited in conjunction with other National Museums of Kenya sites in the city.

• Fossil collections: Houses important fossil and archaeological collections central to East African paleoanthropology, including well-known hominin specimens on display.
• Central location: Situated on Museum Hill, only a short drive from Nairobi's central business district and commonly combined with visits to nearby national museums and cultural sites.

What to See #

• Paleontology gallery: Paleontology and prehistoric human displays housing fossil material and archaeological finds from across Kenya, including prominent hominin material.
• Cultural and ethnography galleries: Displays covering Kenya's cultural diversity and ethnographic objects from the country's major communities across multiple exhibition rooms.
• Snake Park and gardens: An on-site Snake Park and adjacent botanical gardens that extend the museum's natural history focus to living collections and plants.