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National Museum of the Comoros
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The National Museum of the Comoros, officially known as the CNDRS (Centre National de Documentation et de Recherche Scientifique), was established in 1988 in the capital city of Moroni. It serves as the primary institution for preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the archipelago across its four main islands. The museum features four thematic rooms dedicated to history, art and archeology, marine biology, and social anthropology. One of its most famous exhibits is the preserved specimen of the Coelacanth, a prehistoric fish once thought to be extinct until discovered in local waters in 1938. The facility also houses an extensive scientific library and archives used for academic research and documentation. Its location near the old Medina makes it a central point for understanding the complex history of the Comorian Sultanates and the French colonial period.
- Location: Comoros
- Top sights: Ancienne Mosquee du Vendredi msjd ljm`@ lqdym · Vieille ville de Moroni · Place de l'independance sH@ lstqll
- Nearby: Selea (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 202 | 155 | 160 | 151 | 65 | 39 | 33 | 21 | 20 | 39 | 40 | 97 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The National Museum of the Comoros in Moroni is open to the public and features exhibition rooms displaying cultural and natural artifacts. Entry usually requires a ticket, but discounted days are sometimes available.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open Monday to Saturday, often from 8:00 to 17:00 with a lunch break. Sundays are usually a closure day, but confirm exact hours on site.
Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas without flash, except near sensitive exhibits like the coelacanth. Please ask staff for guidelines.
Time needed
A visit takes about one to two hours, depending on interest in the rare exhibits. The coelacanth is a highlight not to be missed.
Combine with
The museum is in Moroni, so it can be combined with a walk through the old town or to the harbor. The nearby market has local crafts.
Getting there
Moroni is reachable by plane or ferry; the museum is in the city center. Taxis and minibuses operate within the city.
Insider tip
Visit the museum in the morning when it is less crowded. Ask about the coelacanth - a true highlight of the collection.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 1988 in Moroni.
- Part of the CNDRS organization.
- Houses a rare specimen of the Coelacanth fish.
- Focuses on four main scientific and cultural themes.
- Includes a national library and historical archives.
- Preserves artifacts from the Comorian Sultanate era.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town National Museum of the Comoros (5)
Musee des Comores mtHf jzr lqmr🏛 museum
National Museum of the Comoros in Moroni, displaying historical and cultural artifacts.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the National Museum of the Comoros exhibit?
Exhibits on history, culture, and natural history, including a coelacanth fish.
Where is the museum located?
In Moroni, near the center.
When is the museum open?
Usually weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM, with restricted hours on Fridays.
How much is the entrance fee?
The fee is low, usually equivalent to a few euros.
Is the museum air-conditioned?
Air conditioning is not always reliable; light clothing is recommended.
National Museum of the Comoros: where is it located?
National Museum of the Comoros is located in Comoros.
National Museum of the Comoros: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ancienne Mosquee du Vendredi msjd ljm`@ lqdym, Vieille ville de Moroni, Place de l'independance sH@ lstqll.
National Museum of the Comoros: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
National Museum of the Comoros: why is it worth visiting?
The National Museum of the Comoros, officially known as the CNDRS (Centre National de Documentation et de Recherche Scientifique), was established in 1988 in the capital city of Moroni.
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Nearby cities
Moroni
Moroni is the capital of the Comoros, situated at the foot of Mount Karthala on the island of Grande Comore.
Iconi
Iconi is one of the oldest cities in the Comoros, located south of Moroni.
Mbéni
Mbéni is a significant city in the northeast of Grande Comore.
Mitsamiouli
Mitsamiouli is a coastal town in the north of Grande Comore, known for its beautiful beaches.
Mvouni
Mvouni lies on the slopes near Moroni on Grande Comore.
Vouvouni
Vouvouni stands at the foot of Mount Karthala near Moroni.
Tsidjé
Tsidje is a suburb on the edge of Moroni.
Ntsoudjini
Ntsoudjini is an inland town on Grande Comore, known for its scholars.
Foumbouni
Foumbouni is the most important city in the south of Grande Comore island.
Djoumoichongo
Djoumoichongo is a rural settlement in the southwest of Grande Comore.
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Bandamadji
Bandamadji is a settlement in the northern part of Grande Comore.
Itsandra
Itsandra is a historic coastal town located just north of Moroni.
Dembéni
Dembéni is a town in the southeast of Grande Comore.
Singani
Singani is a west coast village on Grande Comore.
Koimbani
Koimbani is the administrative center of the Oichili region on Grande Comore.
History & landmarks
Cathedral of Saint Thérèse
The Cathedral of Saint Thérèse in Moroni is the primary Catholic church of the country and a center for the Christian community.
Radio Comores Building
The national broadcaster building in Moroni is a landmark for communication and information on the islands.
Moroni Clock Tower
The clock tower in the center of Moroni is a distinctive landmark and meeting point in the capital.
Government Palace
This administrative building in Moroni houses key ministries and government offices of the Comoros.
Grand Friday Mosque of Moroni
This iconic white mosque by the harbor of Moroni is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Comoros.
Central Bank of the Comoros
The Central Bank building in Moroni is a symbol of the country's financial independence and economic stability.
Palais de Justice (Moroni)
The Palais de Justice in Moroni is the seat of the supreme court of the Comoros and a significant government building.
Moroni Harbor
Moroni Harbor is the main maritime gateway of Grande Comore.
More places
Badjanani Mosque
The Badjanani Mosque is the oldest mosque in the old town of Moroni and a symbol of the island's Islamic heritage.
Tomb of Saïd Mohamed Cheikh
This tomb honors Saïd Mohamed Cheikh, one of the most prominent political leaders of the Comoros before independence.
Moroni Soap Factory
This factory produces soaps and detergents using local raw materials like coconut oil for the domestic market.
Moroni Fish Packaging Plant
This plant prepares fresh fish from Comorian waters for local sale and export within the region.
Fish Market of Moroni
At the port of Moroni, the daily fish market provides insight into the Comoros' rich marine harvest, from tuna to parrotfish.
Moroni Customs Warehouse
This logistics center is used for the clearance and storage of imported goods before they are distributed nationwide.