Old Dispensary- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

The Old Dispensary Marine Park, more accurately referring to the historical Old Dispensary building located on the seafront of Stone Town, Zanzibar, offers a unique intersection of architectural heritage and coastal atmosphere. Built between 1887 and 1894 by Tharia Topan, a wealthy Indian merchant, the building was initially intended to serve as a charitable hospital in honor of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. After passing through several owners and uses—including as a public dispensary and residential apartments—the structure was restored in the early 1990s by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Today, it houses a small museum that explores the cultural and historical narratives of Zanzibar. Positioned along Mizingani Road between the Palace Museum and the harbor, the Old Dispensary stands out for its elaborate façade, which blends Indian, European, and Zanzibari architectural elements. Visitors will notice finely carved wooden balconies, stained glass windows, and a coral rag and limestone structure finished with neoclassical stucco detail. The building's interior features a central courtyard and ornamental bridges between levels, offering insight into the city's multicultural influences during the colonial period. The Old Dispensary remains a significant cultural site in Stone Town, reflecting Zanzibar's layered history and architectural richness.