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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups

Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences
Best Time
Fewer school groups

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Zimbabwe's rich human history, from ancient evolution to cultural heritage, in this captivating museum.
"Shocked at the exhibits, very well done! Learned a lot about culture."

💡 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Exhibit Highlights & Photography
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💡 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.
🚶♂️ Avoid school tour times
Weekdays can be busy with school children; consider visiting during less crowded periods.
💰 Admission fee
Entry costs USD $7 and is generally considered worth the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
💡 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.
🚶♂️ Avoid school tour times
Weekdays can be busy with school children; consider visiting during less crowded periods.
💰 Admission fee
Entry costs USD $7 and is generally considered worth the experience.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Information regarding specific parking availability can be limited. It's advisable to check with the museum directly or consider using public transport or taxis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is approximately USD $7. This is generally considered a reasonable price for the exhibits offered.
Advance booking is typically not required for general admission. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival at the museum.
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.
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.
Yes, there is a separate fee for photography. Be aware that flash photography might not be ideal due to glass reflections on the exhibits.
🎫 🧭 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.
Information on accessibility can be limited. It's advisable to contact the museum in advance to inquire about specific facilities and accessibility features.
Guided tours may be available, especially for school groups. Inquire at the information desk upon arrival for any available tour options for general visitors.
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.
A typical visit can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your interest level and how much time you spend at each exhibit.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is allowed, but there is an additional fee. Visitors are advised that flash photography might not be effective due to glass reflections.
To minimize glare, try photographing at an angle or avoid using flash. Some visitors have found using their phone's camera to be effective.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. 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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Human Origins
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. 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
Some reviews suggest that while the exhibits are interesting, they could benefit from more frequent updates and a modern touch to their presentation style. 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.
Photography Considerations
Furthermore, many exhibits are housed behind glass, which can lead to reflections, especially when using flash photography. 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.

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