Plizio Visual Lab

Botswana National Museum

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Botswana National Museum, formally known as the National Museum and Art Gallery, was established by an Act of Parliament in 1967 and opened to the public in 1968. Located in the capital, Gaborone, it serves as the nation's primary institution for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and natural history. The museum features extensive galleries showcasing traditional crafts, Stone Age archaeological finds, and exhibits on the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The integrated National Art Gallery highlights contemporary African art and hosts the influential annual National Art Exhibition. Beyond its exhibition halls, the institution is responsible for managing national monuments and conducting archaeological research across Botswana. Its educational outreach programs and community initiatives play a vital role in fostering national pride and safeguarding intangible cultural traditions. The museum provides an essential overview of Botswana's journey from its ancestral roots to its status as a modern, stable republic.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Botswana National Museum · Philatelic Museum · Maitisong

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	25	21	18	14	14	17	22	25	26	27
Rain mm	90	77	69	40	8	7	1	1	11	34	68	96

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

The Botswana National Museum and Art Gallery in Gaborone is open to the public, showcasing the country's cultural and natural history. The museum interior is fully walkable, with exhibits in multiple rooms.

🕒

Typical hours

The museum is typically open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Sundays and Mondays are usually closed. Current times should be checked in advance.

📷

Photography

Photography without flash is allowed in most exhibition areas to protect the exhibits. Special exhibitions may have a photography ban; watch for signs.

⏱️

Time needed

A museum visit typically takes two to three hours. It's worth spending time on the permanent archaeology exhibit and the art gallery.

➕

Combine with

The museum is in central Gaborone, near the main square and parliament buildings. Combine the visit with a walk in the nearby gardens or to the Three Dikgosi Monument.

🧭

Getting there

The museum is easily accessible by car; parking is available on surrounding streets. Public buses stop near the main gate, and taxis are available throughout the city.

💡

Insider tip

Start your tour with the ethnographic section on the ground floor for an overview of Botswana's cultures. Avoid late-afternoon visits as the museum closes early.

Geography

Coordinates

-24.65960, 25.92240

Facts

The museum was established by an Act of Parliament in 1967.
It officially opened its doors to the public in 1968.
The facility hosts the prominent annual National Art Exhibition.
The museum is the official custodian of the Tsodilo Hills UNESCO site.
It houses artifacts dating back to the Early Stone Age.
The site includes the National Art Gallery and a botanical garden.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Christ the King Cathedral<1 km · SExplore →

Kgalagadi Breweries1 km · NWExplore →

Botswana Bureau of Standards2 km · SEExplore →

Gaborone Nature Trail2 km · NEExplore →

Three Dikgosi Monument3 km · SEExplore →

Gaborone International Convention Centre4 km · SExplore →

Moshaweng River5 km · SWExplore →

Gaborone Dam5 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Botswana National Museum (8)

Botswana National Museum 🏛 museum

National museum in Gaborone with exhibits on Botswana's culture, history, and nature.

🕒 Tu-Fr 07:30-12:45, 13:45-16:30;Sa-Su 08:00-12:45, 13:45-16:0

Philatelic Museum 🏛 museum

Museum in Gaborone with collections of stamps and postal history of Botswana.

Maitisong

Theatre and cultural centre in Gaborone, hosting performances and events.

Thapong Visual Arts Centre

Visual arts centre in Gaborone with studios and exhibitions by local artists.

Stone Monument

A simple, uncarved stone block serving as a memorial in a public space in Gaborone.

Three Dikgosi Monument

Monument in Gaborone honoring three traditional rulers of Botswana: Khama III, Bathoen I, and Sebele I.

National museum of botanical garden

Botanical garden in Gaborone showcasing native plant species and botanical collections.

National Botanical Gardens

Botanical garden in Gaborone with indigenous flora and maintained green spaces.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of the National Museum?

The museum is typically open on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00.

Is admission to the museum free?

Admission is often free, but donations are welcome.

Are there guided tours of the National Museum?

Yes, guided tours can be arranged upon prior request.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, it gives interesting insights into natural and cultural history.

Are pets allowed in the museum?

No, pets are generally not allowed inside the museum building.

Botswana National Museum: where is it located?

Botswana National Museum is located in Botswana.

Botswana National Museum: what is there to see?

Highlights include Botswana National Museum, Philatelic Museum, Maitisong.

Botswana National Museum: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

Botswana National Museum: why is it worth visiting?

The Botswana National Museum, formally known as the National Museum and Art Gallery, was established by an Act of Parliament in 1967 and opened to the public in 1968.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →