Exploring the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences in Harare

The Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences is located on Rotten Row in the Civic Centre of Harare and serves as the primary repository for the nation's archaeological and ethnographic history. Admission for international visitors is ten dollars while local residents pay a lower statutory fee to access the galleries that open daily at nine in the morning. This institution traces its origins back to 1903 when it was established as the Queen Victoria Memorial Library and Museum. Today it remains a critical stop for those wanting to understand the deep chronological roots of southern African civilizations before heading to the ruins of Great Zimbabwe.

Historical Significance and the Ngoma Lungundu

The Legend of the Seven Hundred Year Old Drum

The most significant artifact within these walls is the Ngoma Lungundu, a sacred drum belonging to the Lemba people. Carbon dating confirms this wooden object is approximately 700 years old, making it the oldest known wooden artifact discovered in sub-Saharan Africa. Some oral traditions and controversial theories suggest the drum is a replica of the biblical Ark of the Covenant, used by the Lemba during their migrations. The physical object is roughly 45 inches long and features intricate shallow engravings that once likely held gold threads. You will notice scorched marks at the base, which some researchers hypothesize were caused by primitive gunpowder or ritual fires. This single item often draws international historians who spent decades searching for its location after it vanished from public view in the 1940s only to be rediscovered in a museum storeroom in 2007.

Archaeological Treasures from the Stone and Iron Ages

Beyond the famous drum, the archaeological galleries provide a physical timeline of human development in the region. The collection includes a vast array of Stone Age tools and fossils that predate modern civilization by thousands of years. Display cases hold assemblages of iron and copper smelting artifacts, including hoes and arrowheads that demonstrate the technological shift toward agriculture. I recommend paying close attention to the copies of rock art by Elizabeth Goodall which capture the spiritual and daily lives of San hunter-gatherers. These three-dimensional life-size models provide a sense of scale that flat photographs often fail to convey. The transition from early nomadic groups to the complex gold-trading societies that bartered with Swahili and Portuguese merchants is documented through beads and imported cotton goods found at various excavation sites.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Museum

Timing Your Visit and Entrance Fees

Visitors should plan for a stay of about two hours to walk through the main wings without rushing. The museum operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the week but note that school groups frequently arrive around 10:30 AM. Arriving right at the opening hour ensures a quieter experience, especially in the early hominid gallery where the acoustics can be echoey. International adults should prepare ten dollars for entry, while children are charged five dollars. If you intend to take photographs inside the galleries, expect to pay a small additional fee at the reception desk. The lighting in several back sections is notoriously dim, so having a phone flashlight handy can help you read the smaller text on the labels without straining your eyes.

Nearby Landmarks and Location Details

Finding the entrance requires navigating the Civic Centre complex near Samora Machel Avenue. The official address is 107 Rotten Row, and the building is distinguished by its mustard-yellow signage and pale stone exterior. Most taxi drivers in downtown Harare know the spot well, but if you are walking from the National Gallery, it is a steady ten-minute uphill trek past jacaranda trees. An often overlooked feature is the research library located upstairs which stays relatively cool during the midday heat. While the museum lacks a modern cafe or extensive gift shop, the outdoor model Shona village offers a glimpse into traditional architecture that provides a welcome break from the indoor glass cases. The side gate on Baines Avenue is sometimes open for staff, though visitors are generally directed to the main turnstiles near Burnett Way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entrance fee for the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences?

International adult visitors are required to pay ten dollars for a standard entry ticket. Residents of Zimbabwe pay three dollars while children are admitted for one dollar or five dollars depending on their residency status. These fees are regulated by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and may change without prior public notice.

Is photography permitted inside the museum galleries?

Photography is allowed but requires the payment of a specific permit fee at the entrance desk in addition to your ticket. Using a flash is generally discouraged because it reflects harshly off the glass display cases and can potentially damage sensitive organic artifacts. Most visitors find that the natural light from the overhead skylights is sufficient for basic photos during the morning hours.

Where exactly is the museum located in Harare?

The museum is situated at the Civic Centre on Rotten Row, specifically at 107 Rotten Row near the intersection with Samora Machel Avenue. It sits about five kilometers from the city center and is easily accessible by taxi or a short walk from the Roadport bus terminus. Drivers can find parking within the Civic Centre complex by following the signs for Pennefather Road.

What are the main highlights to see at this museum?

The primary attraction is the Ngoma Lungundu, a 700-year-old Lemba drum believed by some to be linked to the Ark of the Covenant. Other significant exhibits include Stone Age archaeological tools, ethnographic displays of Shona and Ndebele culture, and a natural history section featuring taxidermy. The museum also houses a model Shona village and a specialized research library on the upper floor.