Built for ceremonial chutzpah by Sultan Barghash in 1883, the 'House of Wonders' rises in
impressive tiers of slender steel pillars and balconies overlooking the Forodhani Gardens.
It is the grandest structure in Zanzibar and in its heyday it sported fine marble floors, panelled
walls and never-before-seen running water and electricity. Now it houses the National Museum
of History & Culture with exhibits on the dhow culture of the Indian Ocean and Swahili
civilisation.
impressive tiers of slender steel pillars and balconies overlooking the Forodhani Gardens.
It is the grandest structure in Zanzibar and in its heyday it sported fine marble floors, panelled
walls and never-before-seen running water and electricity. Now it houses the National Museum
of History & Culture with exhibits on the dhow culture of the Indian Ocean and Swahili
civilisation.
Aside from the exhibits, the house itself is a wonderful site. Its enormous doors are said to be the
largest carved doors in East Africa and outside two bronze canons bear Portuguese inscriptions
dating them to the 16th century. In 2012 years of neglected maintenance finally caught
up with the palace and a section of balcony on the southeastern corner collapsed, closing the
museum to the public.
Restoration has since been mired in controversy and the doors remain firmly shut with no
date currently set for reopening.
largest carved doors in East Africa and outside two bronze canons bear Portuguese inscriptions
dating them to the 16th century. In 2012 years of neglected maintenance finally caught
up with the palace and a section of balcony on the southeastern corner collapsed, closing the
museum to the public.
Restoration has since been mired in controversy and the doors remain firmly shut with no
date currently set for reopening.
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