Set in beautiful gardens, the small and modest National Museum in Lobamba hosts fascinating exhibits on the history, culture, and nature of Swaziland. The displays include examples of traditional dress with explanations of the significance of each piece as well as a few exhibits on the native wildlife and dioramas with typical highveld and lowveld habitats. Outside the Museum, visitors can explore a recreation of a Swazi kraal (village) with thatched huts. This is a great place to gain a feel for the country and its customs.
The Eswatini National Museum is a section in the Department of Cultural Heritage, regulated and managed by the Eswatini National Trust Commission. The main objective of the National Museum is to collect, preserve, conserve and store tangible and intangible cultural heritage for posterity. The materials collected are exhibited in halls and our trained educators interpret the displays to the public. The exhibitions show history of EmaSwati from Stone Age, colonialism up to independence. The temporary exhibition hall presents thematic displays according to annual themes shared by the International Council of Museums. There is a natural history wing which showcases the relationship between EmaSwati and nature. A mini village which is a very good visual aid for visitors and students depicts a typical Swazi homestead.
Visiting Hours
Monday to Friday – 8.00am to 4.00pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10.00 to 3.30pm
The museum is closed on the following days;
Good Friday
Christmas Day
Boxing day
Incwala Ceremony
Educational programmes
The cultural heritage department provides Educational guided tours for local and international primary, secondary, high schools and tertiary institutions. There is a special programme for preschools in both the museum and King Sobhuza II Park. An Outreach programme is specifically caters and made available for schools and communities who request a visit by the National Museum educators to their school and their communities. We offer in class presentations on culture topics such as umhlanga, imvunulo, umtsimba, butimba, umcwasho, kudla kweSiSwati amongst others. These topics enhance students understanding and appreciation of Eswatini’s cultural heritage as the museum provides visual aids.
Library
The Library assists researchers, individuals and students who have interest in culture and heritage studies. There is a variety of books and literature ranging from history, plants, Encyclopedias of medicinal plants, Encyclopedia of foods, Health and education for the family, Tibongo netinanatelo and more. There is research material on topics such as Umtsimba, Bayeni, Umngcwabo, Imvunulo, which assists individuals and students in their Siswati lessons.
Cultural articles.
