National Museum of Namibia 🇳🇦

Discover the National Museum of Namibia, a central repository for the country's historical, zoological, and scientific heritage located in the capital city of Windhoek. Governed by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, this public institution spans a rich operational legacy that traces back to 1907 when it was established as the Landesmuseum under Imperial German administration.

Over the decades, it evolved through South African administration as the South West Africa Museum and the State Museum, before receiving its current title in 1994 following Namibian independence. Visually and topographically, the museum's footprint covers three main sites in central Windhoek: the Owela Display Centre on Lüderitz Street (named after the traditional Owela board game), the historical Alte Feste on Robert Mugabe Avenue, and the administrative Emma Hoogenhout Building opposite the fortress.

However, you should note that key public physical locations—including the Owela Display Centre and the historic Alte Feste fortress building—are currently closed to visitors due to urgent renovation needs and building dilapidation as of 2023, with future plans aiming to repurpose the Alte Feste into a dedicated Center for Arts, Craft and Heritage and a National Genocide Museum.

What to see at National Museum of Namibia

• Historical exhibits detailing Namibia's complex past across different colonial and post-independence eras
• The Owela Display Centre on Lüderitz Street, named after the traditional Owela board game
• The historic Alte Feste (Old Fortress) location situated along Robert Mugabe Avenue
• The specialized National Museum Library, originally established back in 1963
• Future vision for a repurposed National Genocide Museum and a Center for Arts, Craft and Heritage

Visiting tips

Because the Owela Display Centre and the Alte Feste locations are closed for renovation as of 2023, check current status before planning a walk to the sites.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

National Museum of Namibia is easy to reach on Windhoek’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Christ Church, Windhoek and Reiterdenkmal, Windhoek. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Windhoek travel guide.