Malindi Museum
Coast Region
Malindi Museum Heritage Complex is a cultural and historical museum located in Kenya's Coast Region. The museum is housed in a historic building originally constructed in the early 1890s as the District Collector's Office for the Imperial British East Africa Company. This building, also known as the Boma or Kwa Balozi, served as administrative offices and living quarters during British colonial rule. Today, the museum presents exhibitions on the diverse cultures of Kenya's coastal peoples, including Swahili culture and underwater heritage on the ground floor, and displays about the Mijikenda and Taita/Dawida communities upstairs. The complex also includes a director's office and an old District Officer's Cottage now used as a bar and restaurant. The museum is part of a ticketed heritage complex that includes other historic sites such as the Vasco da Gama Pillar and the Portuguese Chapel. It offers visitors a unique insight into the colonial history and rich cultural traditions of Kenya's coastal region, set in a building that once directly faced the ocean but now overlooks parkland due to land reclamation.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to buy a single ticket that covers all four sites managed by Malindi Museum, including the Vasco da Gama Pillar and Portuguese Chapel, for a comprehensive experience. The museum is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate the exhibitions and surrounding heritage sites. Booking tickets in advance can help avoid queues. The museum is accessible via Google Street View for preliminary virtual exploration. Visitors should check opening hours and local events on the official website to plan their visit accordingly.
Interesting facts
- •The museum building originally faced directly on the ocean with steps leading down to the beach, but land reclamation has since moved the shoreline about 200 metres away.
- •Four decorative cannons were mounted around the main house during the colonial period, including a bronze cannon used to start the annual Malindi Festival.
- •A bronze bell once marked office hours at the building entrance but has since been removed.
- •In 1961, a monument dedicated to Prince Henry the Navigator was erected in the museum grounds near the street entrance.
History
The main building of Malindi Museum was constructed in the early 1890s for the Imperial British East Africa Company, designed by James Bell-Smith.
It functioned as the District Collector's Office and residence during British colonial rule, known as the Boma or Kwa Balozi.
After Kenya's independence in 1963, the building became the office of the Malindi District Commissioner.
It was declared a National Monument in 1991 and converted into a museum, opening to the public in December 2013.
Over time, the site evolved from an oceanfront property to being set back from the beach due to land reclamation.
Place Guide
Ground Floor Exhibitions
Displays dedicated to Swahili culture and underwater cultural heritage, showcasing artifacts and history of the coastal peoples.
Upper Floor Exhibitions
Exhibitions focusing on the Mijikenda and Taita/Dawida peoples, highlighting their traditions and cultural practices.
Director's Office
Office space within the complex used for museum administration and management.
Old District Officer's Cottage
Historic colonial cottage now functioning as a bar and restaurant, part of the museum complex.
Contact
Phone: 042 31479
