Fantastic sculptures
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Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences

3.8
·549 reviews·Harare, Zimbabwe

Discover Zimbabwe's rich human history, from ancient evolution to cultural heritage, in this captivating museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
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Fantastic sculptures

Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Zimbabwe's rich human history, from ancient evolution to cultural heritage, in this captivating museum.

3.8
(549 reviews)

"Shocked at the exhibits, very well done! Learned a lot about culture."

Vertical photo
TIP

💡 Bring a phone torch

Some exhibits have dim lighting; a phone torch can help you see details better.

📸 Photography fee applies

There's an extra charge for taking photos. Flash might not be ideal due to glass reflections.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Human Evolution in Africa

Human Evolution in Africa

Discover the origins and development of early human-like beings on the continent. A fascinating journey through our ancient past.

Ancient Animal Life

Ancient Animal Life

Explore exhibits showcasing animals from prehistoric times to the present day. A captivating look at biodiversity through the ages.

Model Village

Model Village

A unique display offering insights into traditional Zimbabwean village life and architecture. Step back in time and learn about cultural practices.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit

The Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences offers a glimpse into the nation's rich heritage. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid school groups and enjoy a more tranquil experience. Be prepared for potentially dim lighting in some exhibits, and factor in an extra fee if you plan to take photos.

Exhibit Highlights & Photography

Explore fascinating displays on human evolution in Africa and ancient animal life. While the museum is visually rich, some exhibits may have lighting issues. A photography fee applies, and flash photography might not be ideal due to glass reflections on displays.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer school groups
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
School groups may have left
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

💡 Bring a phone torch

Some exhibits have dim lighting; a phone torch can help you see details better. Reddit

📸 Photography fee applies

There's an extra charge for taking photos. Flash might not be ideal due to glass reflections. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Avoid school tour times

Weekdays can be busy with school children; consider visiting during less crowded periods. Reddit

💰 Admission fee

Entry costs USD $7 and is generally considered worth the experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

💡 Bring a phone torch

Some exhibits have dim lighting; a phone torch can help you see details better. Reddit

📸 Photography fee applies

There's an extra charge for taking photos. Flash might not be ideal due to glass reflections. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Avoid school tour times

Weekdays can be busy with school children; consider visiting during less crowded periods. Reddit

💰 Admission fee

Entry costs USD $7 and is generally considered worth the experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(549 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences to be an interesting and worthwhile experience, particularly for its exhibits on human evolution and ancient animals. While some displays could benefit from better lighting and modernization, the friendly staff and educational value make it a recommended visit. The admission fee is considered reasonable for the content provided.

"Overall I enjoyed my time in this museum. Some interesting displays and friendly staff. I needed to use the torch on my phone on certain displays where the lights seemed to be broken and everything was in the dark. That's the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars in my rating. Seeing the school children walking through and receiveling lessons was a lovely part of the experience. I enjoyed the section on the development of early human-like beings in Africa, and some fascinating sections about animals from the earliest times up till the present. It cost USD $7 to enter and was definitely worth my time. FYI You pay extra if you want to take photos inside."

Doctor Rose Tremaine

"Very nice museum. I was shocked at the exhibits. Very well done. If you bring a camera the light is not bright there and using a flash would probably ruin your photos because of the glass. There is a small fee to take photos but it's worth it. I actually learned a lot about my wife's culture going there."

Frank O

"Went there on a monday. There was noone else there. It was my first time visiting the place after about 14years since the last time i had been there. I do not recommend this place at all.😂 they are definitely not keeping it up properly. The same art exhibitions that were there 14 years ago are still up. Not that they are supposed to be discarded but there should be a little bit of a morden touch to the exhibition style. The building itself is not in good shape but oh well it serves its purpose."

Tanaka Mudzimiri

What People Like

Interesting exhibits
Human evolution displays
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Dim lighting
Outdated exhibits
Need for modernization

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Harare. Public transport options like taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available within the city to reach the museum. Reddit

Information regarding specific parking availability can be limited. It's advisable to check with the museum directly or consider using public transport or taxis. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee is approximately USD $7. This is generally considered a reasonable price for the exhibits offered. Reddit

Advance booking is typically not required for general admission. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival at the museum. Reddit

Specific discount policies can vary. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter or contact the museum directly for current information on potential discounts. Reddit

Opening hours can change, but the museum is generally open on weekdays. It's best to check the official museum website or contact them for the most up-to-date hours of operation. Reddit

Yes, there is a separate fee for photography. Be aware that flash photography might not be ideal due to glass reflections on the exhibits. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect diverse exhibits covering human evolution in Africa, ancient animal life, cultural heritage, and a model village. Some displays may have lighting issues. Reddit+1

Information on accessibility can be limited. It's advisable to contact the museum in advance to inquire about specific facilities and accessibility features. Reddit

Guided tours may be available, especially for school groups. Inquire at the information desk upon arrival for any available tour options for general visitors. Reddit

Yes, some visitors have found it helpful to use their phone's flashlight in dimly lit areas to get a better view of the displays. Reddit

A typical visit can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your interest level and how much time you spend at each exhibit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within the museum. Visitors may need to explore dining options in the surrounding areas of Harare. Reddit

It's generally recommended to check the museum's policy on outside food and beverages. Often, it's best to consume these outside the exhibition areas. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is allowed, but there is an additional fee. Visitors are advised that flash photography might not be effective due to glass reflections. Reddit

To minimize glare, try photographing at an angle or avoid using flash. Some visitors have found using their phone's camera to be effective. Reddit

While general photography is permitted with a fee, it's always wise to observe any specific signage or ask museum staff if certain exhibits have photography restrictions. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences can be an engaging outing for families. The exhibits on human evolution and ancient animals are often captivating for younger visitors, offering a visual and educational experience. The model village also provides a unique glimpse into traditional life that children might find interesting. Reddit

To make the visit smoother, consider going on a weekday to avoid large school groups. If exhibits are dimly lit, a phone torch can help keep children engaged and allow them to see details better. Reddit While there's a fee for photography, capturing a few key moments can be a great way to remember the visit. Be prepared for a potentially longer visit if children are particularly interested in specific displays.

📚 Students and Educators

This museum serves as an excellent educational resource, particularly for students studying history, anthropology, and cultural studies. The exhibits on human evolution in Africa and Zimbabwean heritage offer valuable insights that complement classroom learning. Reddit The presence of school children actively engaged in learning within the museum underscores its importance as an educational hub. Reddit

Educators can leverage the museum's displays to create interactive learning experiences. While some exhibits might benefit from modernization, the core content remains relevant. Inquiring about any educational programs or guided tours specifically for student groups could further enhance the learning experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Human Origins

The Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences offers a compelling look into the evolution of early humans in Africa. These exhibits are designed to educate visitors about our ancestral journey, showcasing key discoveries and theories. The museum integrates a 'tech fusion' approach in this section, making the scientific information more engaging and accessible. Visitors can expect to learn about the significant milestones in human development that occurred on the continent. Reddit

While the content is informative, some visitors have noted that the lighting in certain areas can be dim, making it challenging to fully appreciate the displays. Bringing a personal light source, like a phone torch, has been suggested as a practical solution to enhance the viewing experience. Reddit The museum aims to provide a comprehensive overview, making it a valuable stop for anyone interested in anthropology and our shared past.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Beyond human evolution, the museum is a repository for Zimbabwe's rich cultural heritage. Exhibits often include artifacts and displays that represent the country's history and traditions. A notable feature is the model village, which provides a tangible representation of traditional life, offering insights into architecture, social structures, and daily routines. This section allows visitors to connect with the country's past in a more immersive way. Reddit

Some reviews suggest that while the exhibits are interesting, they could benefit from more frequent updates and a modern touch to their presentation style. Reddit Despite this, the museum's commitment to showcasing these aspects of Zimbabwean culture is evident. The presence of school children actively learning within the museum highlights its role as an educational institution. Reddit

Photography Considerations

For those looking to capture memories, photography is permitted at the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, but it comes with an additional fee. Reddit This is a common practice in many museums to help fund their operations and preservation efforts. Visitors should be aware that the lighting conditions within some exhibit halls can be quite dim, which might affect the quality of photos taken without adequate lighting. Reddit

Furthermore, many exhibits are housed behind glass, which can lead to reflections, especially when using flash photography. Reddit Travelers have found that experimenting with different angles and avoiding direct flash can yield better results. Some suggest that using the camera on a smartphone might be more forgiving in these conditions. Planning your shots and being patient can help you capture the essence of the exhibits despite these challenges. Reddit

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