DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

National Museum of Nouakchott

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
museum
—°3
National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)

Weather…

The National Museum of Mauritania, located in the capital Nouakchott, is the primary guardian of the country's rich historical and cultural heritage. Housed in a building gifted by China, the museum's galleries offer a journey through time, starting with prehistoric archaeological finds including ancient stone tools and pottery. A significant portion of the collection is dedicated to the medieval period, showcasing artifacts from the UNESCO-listed desert cities of Chinguetti, Ouadane, and Tichitt, which were once vital hubs for trans-Saharan trade and Islamic scholarship. Visitors can explore traditional Moorish life through displays of nomad tents, intricate jewelry, leatherwork, and traditional musical instruments. The museum also highlights the diverse ethnic cultures of the Senegal River valley in the south, providing a comprehensive overview of Mauritania's identity. It serves as an essential stop for understanding the transition from nomadic traditions to modern nationhood.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202021212224262729272422
Rain mm22151021645461920

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The National Museum of Nouakchott is a public museum that can be visited for an entry fee. It has indoor galleries with archaeological finds from across Mauritania.
🕒
Typical hours
The museum has typical opening hours, usually 9 AM to 5 PM with a lunch break. It is advisable to check exact times in advance as they can vary.
📷
Photography
Photography is often allowed in the exhibition halls, without flash or tripod. Certain areas may have a photography ban; look for signs.
⏱️
Time needed
A museum visit lasts about one to two hours, depending on interest in the exhibits. Allow two hours if you want to read all details.
➕
Combine with
Combine the museum visit with the modern square and Nouakchott’s market square. All three are central and easily walkable.
🧭
Getting there
The museum is located in Nouakchott’s government quarter, near the presidential palace. It is reachable by taxi or on foot; parking is available.
💡
Insider tip
Plan your visit in the morning when the museum is less crowded. Ask at the entrance about a guide to get deeper information on the exhibits.

Geography

Coordinates
18.08000, -15.97000

Facts

  • Founded: 1972
  • Number of artifacts: over 7,000
  • Area: 2,500 m²
  • Annual visitors: 30,000
  • Laboratory established: 2010
  • Height of largest display case: 4 meters

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nouakchott Central MarketNouakchott Central Market<1 km · SEExplore →
Nouakchott Wholesale MarketNouakchott Wholesale Market2 km · NEExplore →
Nouakchott Industrial ZoneNouakchott Industrial Zone4 km · NEExplore →
Nouakchott PortNouakchott Port6 km · SExplore →
Nouakchott Deepwater PortNouakchott Deepwater Port14 km · SWExplore →
Mouit-NordMouit-Nord52 km · WExplore →
Aftout es-SahelAftout es-Sahel81 km · NWExplore →
NouamgharNouamghar95 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Museum of Nouakchott (3)

Musee National de la Mauritanie lmtHf lwTny lmwrytny🏛 museum

The national museum of Mauritania in Nouakchott, displaying archaeological finds and traditional artifacts of the country.

Musee urbain Turkya Daddah mtHf lHDry@ trky ddh🏛 museum

A city museum in Nouakchott focusing on urban development and local culture.

Galerie Zeinart🏛 museum

An art gallery in Nouakchott showcasing contemporary works by Mauritanian artists.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at the National Museum?
Exhibits on the history of Mauritania and traditional handicrafts.
How long does the visit take?
About two hours are sufficient for the entire museum.
Where is the museum located?
It is located in the city center of Nouakchott.
Is photography allowed?
Ask for permission for photos at the entrance.
Are the exhibits accessible?
The museum is on one level, but the infrastructure is simple.
National Museum of Nouakchott: where is it located?
National Museum of Nouakchott is located in Mauritania.
National Museum of Nouakchott: what is there to see?
Highlights include Musee National de la Mauritanie lmtHf lwTny lmwrytny, Musee urbain Turkya Daddah mtHf lHDry@ trky ddh, Galerie Zeinart.
National Museum of Nouakchott: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Dec.
National Museum of Nouakchott: why is it worth visiting?
The National Museum of Mauritania, located in the capital Nouakchott, is the primary guardian of the country's rich historical and cultural heritage.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Mauritania →

Nearby cities

Nouakchott Central Market — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Central Market
The central market of Nouakchott is a significant hub for regional trade.
Nouakchott — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Nouakchott
Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania and lies on the Atlantic coast.
Nouadhibou — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Nouadhibou
Nouadhibou is located on the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula and is the economic center for iron ore exports.
Kiffa-Nord — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Kiffa-Nord
Kiffa-Nord is an expanding part of Kiffa.
Kiffa — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Kiffa
Kiffa is a city in southern Mauritania and capital of the Assaba region.
Market Town Kiffa — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Market Town Kiffa
Kiffa serves as a central hub for trade in the eastern regions of Mauritania.
Nouakchott Wholesale Market — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Wholesale Market
This wholesale market in Nouakchott coordinates the flow of goods in the capital.
Kaedi Distribution Center — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Kaedi Distribution Center
Kaedi serves as an important commercial base along the river course.
Kaédi — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Kaédi
Kaédi is located on the Senegal River and serves as an agricultural hub.
Kaédi-Nord — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Kaédi-Nord
Kaédi-Nord includes residential areas on the northern edge of Kaédi.
Kaedi Agricultural Center — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Kaedi Agricultural Center
Kaedi is situated along the Senegal River and is a center for local agriculture.
Gorgol — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Gorgol
Gorgol is an important settlement area in the region of the same name.
Sélibaby — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Sélibaby
Sélibaby is a city in southeastern Mauritania in the Guidimaka region.
Selibaby Trade Center — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Selibaby Trade Center
Selibaby is strategically located in the south and is a hub for cross-border trade.
Sélibaby-Est — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Sélibaby-Est
Sélibaby-Est forms the eastern part of the regional center Sélibaby.

History & landmarks

Choum — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Choum
Choum is a strategic desert outpost on the route of the famous iron ore train, serving as a gateway to the Adrar Plateau.
Medina Nouakchott — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Medina Nouakchott
The Medina in Nouakchott reflects the urban change of the last decades.
Nouakchott Market Square — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Market Square
The market square in Nouakchott is a center of urban life.
Nouakchott Old Quarter — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Old Quarter
The old quarter of Nouakchott is a historic core of the city.
Nouakchott Modern Square — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Modern Square
The modern square in Nouakchott shows the younger city history.

More places

Nouakchott Industrial Zone — National Museum of Nouakchott (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Industrial Zone
The industrial zone of Nouakchott hosts various processing plants.