The House of Wonders
Zanzibar Region
The House of Wonders, located in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is the largest and tallest building in the historic old town, prominently facing the Forodhani Gardens. Built in 1883 by Sultan Barghash bin Said, it was designed as a ceremonial palace and reception hall symbolizing modernity, being the first building in Zanzibar with electricity and the first in East Africa to feature an elevator. Its architecture introduced innovative elements such as wide external verandas supported by cast-iron columns and a large central covered courtyard surrounded by open galleries. The palace was constructed using a unique combination of coral rag, concrete, mangrove shoots, and steel beams. Historically, it connected to adjacent palaces via covered passages, allowing royal ladies to move discreetly. The interior boasts intricately carved Quranic inscriptions, imported marble floors, and European silver decorations. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing Swahili and Zanzibari culture, including traditional fishing tools, ceremonial textiles, portraits of Sultans and notable figures, and artifacts like a traditional mtepe boat and an old presidential car. Its location and historical significance make it a major tourist attraction in Stone Town.
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Tip: The best time to visit The House of Wonders is during the cooler morning hours to avoid the midday heat. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance when possible to avoid queues. Zanzibar residents often have free or discounted access, so carrying identification is advised. Guided tours can enhance understanding of the exhibits and the building's historical context. The museum is closed on certain public holidays, so checking opening hours beforehand is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The House of Wonders was the first building in East Africa to have an elevator.
- •It was named 'House of Wonders' because it was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity.
- •The main door was made wide enough for the Sultan to ride an elephant through.
- •Two old Portuguese bronze cannons from the 16th century stand at the entrance, originally captured by Persians in 1622 and later brought to Zanzibar by Omani Sultans.
- •The palace contains a mtepe, a traditional Swahili boat, displayed in its central courtyard.
History
Completed in 1883, The House of Wonders was built by Sultan Barghash bin Said as a symbol of Zanzibar's modernization.
It was the first building on the island to have electricity and an elevator.
The building survived the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 with minor damages, unlike neighboring palaces which were destroyed or severely damaged.
A clock tower was added during the 1897 reconstruction.
In 1911, it was repurposed as government offices under British colonial rule.
Following the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution, it served as a school and a museum for the Afro-Shirazi Party.
Since the early 2000s, it has operated as a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast.
Place Guide
Central Courtyard with Mtepe
The large covered atrium is home to a traditional Swahili mtepe boat, symbolizing Zanzibar's maritime heritage and cultural ties to the sea.
Carved Quranic Doors
Some inner doors feature intricate carvings with inscriptions from the Quran, reflecting the Islamic artistic heritage of Zanzibar.
Clock Tower Facade1897
Added during the 1897 reconstruction after the Anglo-Zanzibar War, the clock tower is an iconic feature enhancing the palace's seafront presence.
Exhibition Rooms
Spread over three floors, these rooms exhibit Swahili fishing tools, ceremonial kangas, portraits of Sultans and notable Zanzibari figures, including a famous portrait of slave trader Tippu Tip, and furniture from royal palaces.
Old Presidential Car Exhibit
On the ground floor, visitors can see an old car that belonged to President Abeid Karume, the first president of Zanzibar after the revolution.
Contact
Phone: 0748 650 382
