May 18, 2012
NEWS
Africa's Best Museums
| January 18,2012
Johannesburg Art Gallery
Africa is best known for its landscapes and the beauty of nature that brings breathtaking experience. Nonetheless, the culture and the museums to see when one will travel to Africa is another momentous experience that should be part of any traveler’s itinerary.
Here are some museums in Africa that showcase and narrate a timeline of Africa’s rich cultural unfolding.
National Bardo Museum, Tunis
During the 13th century, the National Bardo Museum was identified as the Bardo Palace. It was only transformed into a museum in 1888, and from then on it enticed tourists from all over the world.
The captivating exterior of the museum is complemented by its vast collection of antique mosaics. The collected works encompass the various era of the Tunisian history. From the prehistoric to the Punic eras, even the different religious periods of Christianity and Islam.
On the second floor of the museum, the wide array of distinctive mosaics largely forms Acholla and Le Kaf can be found. What is more, there two rooms which are solely
The National Museum in Tunis is opened daily excluding Mondays; it is one of attractions that visitors of Africa visit every year.
Egyptian Museum, Cairo
Most commonly called the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities houses a massive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The museum has over 120,000 artifacts, which are showcased as well as stored in stockrooms.
Originally built in 1835 in the vicinity of Ezbekeyah Garden, the museum moved to Boulaq in 1858 due to space constraints. This is because the museum was becoming too small to house all of the Egyptian antiquities that the museum had acquired over years. The artifacts in the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities were then placed in a museum in Giza where they were stored up until 1902. At present, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is in Tahrir Square.
The museum has two floors, which are being used. Collection of papyrus and currencies utilized in the Ancient world can be seen on the ground floor. While, the first floor houses the epic last dynasties of the Ancient Egypt, it includes the different Pharaohs, as well as relics from the Valley of the Kings.
Nairobi National Museum, Nairobi
Situated at the Museum Hill, the Nairobi National Museum houses Kenya’s rich history. Nairobi National Museum was commenced in 1910 by passionate environmentalist from what is now known as East African Natural History Society or the ENHS.
The museum underwent massive renovation in October 2005. At present, its interior showcases a modern architecture with the flair of Kenya’s affluent culture. The artworks displayed in this museum displayed the four pillars of the national heritage of Kenya.
The museum is also famous for its exclusive events venue.
The museum is visited by tourists and locals to witness the attractions it offers. From art galleries to nature trails, the Nairobi National Museum will not fail to amaze you.
South African Museum, Cape Town
Built in 1825, the South African Museum in Cape Town is home to more than a million scientific artifacts. From ancient fossils, tools, and clothes, to recent animals, and garments, the museum holds it all. As if the 1.5 million artifacts are not enough, scientists have been constantly contributing to the museum for educational purposes.
The South African Museum also displays the timeline of the indigenous African people back to their origins, and scientists all over the world lend a hand in researching. This institution focuses mainly on the research of anthropological articles showcasing natural and historical relics.
One of the visited tourist spots in Cape Town with almost half a million visitors annually, the South African Museum is opened daily excluding Worker’s Day and Christmas.
Johannesburg Art Gallery, Gauteng
Located in one of the oldest parks within the metropolis, the Johannesburg Art Gallery showcases art works that are important in history. It has almost 10,000 art pieces in its gallery. Moreover, the blend of modern, yet contemporary artworks can be seen in the gallery.
The collections in the gallery comprise of paintings, sculptures by various renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, as well as printed artworks.
One of Johannesburg’s tourist destinations, the Johannesburg Art Gallery is opened from Tuesday to Friday.
When you travel to Africa, never miss the chance to visit any of Africa’s best museums.
