Located in the Ingombota District of Luanda, Angola, the Museu Nacional de Antropologia (National Museum of Anthropology) offers you an engaging journey into the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Founded on November 13, 1976, this cultural and scientific institution is dedicated to collecting, researching, conserving, and showcasing Angolan history. As you explore its 14 rooms distributed across two floors, you will encounter a vast collection featuring over 6,000 historical cultural objects.
The exhibits display a wide variety of artifacts, ranging from farm implements, hunting and fishing items, and pottery to intricate jewelry, women's rights memorabilia, and striking photographs of the Khoisan people. You will also get to see traditional musical instruments and even experience a live demonstration of the marimba in action. Major highlights of your walk through the galleries include a rustic furnace once used for melting iron and a dedicated room of masks showcasing the powerful symbols of Bantu rituals.
Beyond its permanent treasures, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and participates in international collaborations, such as working with Berlin institutions to focus on conservation, restoration, and colonial history re-evaluation. It is an essential stop for understanding Angola's deep roots and living traditions.
What to see at Museu Nacional de Antropologia
- Explore over 6,000 cultural artifacts spread across 14 rooms on two floors.
- Listen to a live demonstration showing how the traditional marimba is played.
- Discover a dedicated room of masks featuring symbols from Bantu rituals.
- View historic iron foundry items, including a rustic furnace used for melting iron.
- Examine women's rights memorabilia and historic photographs of the Khoisan people.
Visiting tips
Be sure to catch the live marimba demonstration during your tour to hear traditional Angolan sounds firsthand.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Museu Nacional de Antropologia is easy to reach on Luanda’s public transport, and pairs naturally with National Museum of Slavery. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Luanda travel guide.
See the full Luanda travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.