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Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum)

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Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) (Namibia)

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The Tsumeb Museum is housed in the Alte Minenkommissariat (Old Mining Commissariat), a historic building in Tsumeb. The building was constructed in 1907 as the German mining administration office for the Otavi Minen- und Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft (OMEG) company. It is a classic example of German colonial architecture. After the mine's closure, the building was used for various purposes before being converted into a museum. The museum documents the rich mining history of Tsumeb, which is famous for its exceptional mineral diversity. Exhibits include mineral collections, mining equipment, and historical photographs. In addition, the museum delves into local history, the ethnology of the peoples living in the region, and natural history. It is an important place to understand the unique heritage of Tsumeb and its significance as a mining town.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262625242118172125282827
Rain mm124109782720002165781

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Old Mine Commissariat houses the Tsumeb Museum and is open to the public. Visitors can see exhibits on the mining history.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open weekdays from morning to afternoon. Weekends may have reduced hours or closures.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the museum, but without flash to protect exhibits. Historical mining tools and photos are popular subjects.
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Time needed
A museum visit takes about one to one and a half hours. Interested visitors can also view the nearby open-pit mine.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the Tsumeb copper mine or the Etosha Pan nature reserve. The nearby Otjikoto Lake is also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The museum is centrally located in Tsumeb, walkable from the town centre. By car, follow the main road to the building.
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Insider tip
Ask about a guided tour of the museum for the best mining stories. Combine the visit with a mine tour.

Geography

Coordinates
-19.23330, 17.71670

Facts

  • Housed in the Old Mining Commissariat
  • Built in 1907 as a German mining office
  • Documents Tsumeb's mining history
  • Exhibits of minerals and equipment
  • Also covers local ethnology
  • Example of colonial architecture
  • Tsumeb is famous for its minerals

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tsumeb Farm RegionTsumeb Farm Region<1 km · NEExplore →
Tsumeb Copper SmelterTsumeb Copper Smelter2 km · SExplore →
Otjikoto LakeOtjikoto Lake24 km · SExplore →
Tschudi Copper MineTschudi Copper Mine32 km · SExplore →
Otavi MountainsOtavi Mountains37 km · SWExplore →
Hoba MeteoriteHoba Meteorite45 km · NWExplore →
Guinas LakeGuinas Lake46 km · SExplore →
Otjikoto Gold MineOtjikoto Gold Mine53 km · SExplore →

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 Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) (2)

St. Barbara

Building in Namibia, used as a church.

Tsumeb Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Tsumeb covering mining and town history.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-12:00,14:00-17:00; Sa 10:00-12:00💶

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the museum show?
It shows the history of mining in Tsumeb.
Are there minerals to see?
Yes, it houses a world-famous mineral collection.
When is the museum open?
Usually weekdays, check current hours.
Is admission expensive?
No, a moderate price is charged.
How much time do you need?
About 1 hour is good for the visit.
Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum): where is it located?
Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) is located in Namibia.
Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum): what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Barbara, Tsumeb Museum.
Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum): why is it worth visiting?
The Tsumeb Museum is housed in the Alte Minenkommissariat (Old Mining Commissariat), a historic building in Tsumeb.
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Nearby cities

Grootfontein — Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) (Namibia)
Grootfontein
A lush, green town situated in the fertile central-northern area, home to a major military base.
Otavi — Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) (Namibia)
Otavi
A verdant agricultural town forming one corner of the highly productive 'Maize Triangle'.

History & landmarks

🗺️
Fort Namutoni
A brilliantly white former police fort on the eastern edge of Etosha National Park, now serving as a rest camp for safari guests.
🗺️
Grootfontein Old Fort
An old Schutztruppe-era fort in Grootfontein, now housing the town museum with exhibits on local history.

Nature

Otjikoto Lake — Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) (Namibia)
Otjikoto Lake
A small, deep karst lake.
Guinas Lake — Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) (Namibia)
Guinas Lake
Another well-known karst lake.

More places

🗺️
Otavi Mountains
A mountain region in the north.
Hoba Meteorite — Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) (Namibia)
Hoba Meteorite
The largest intact meteorite ever found on Earth, which fell in present-day Namibia about 80,000 years ago.
🗺️
Otjikoto Gold Mine
A modern gold mine in northern Namibia providing significant economic impetus.
🗺️
Ohorongo Cement Plant
Namibia's largest and most modern cement plant, satisfying domestic demand.
Fort Namutoni — Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) (Namibia)
Fort Namutoni
A whitewashed fort on the edge of the Etosha Pan, once a German police post and now a rest camp.
🗺️
Waterberg Plateau
A massive red sandstone plateau.
🗺️
Waterberg Plateau
An important plateau nature reserve.
Tsumkwe San Cultural Center — Old Mine Commissariat (Tsumeb Museum) (Namibia)
Tsumkwe San Cultural Center
A place to learn about San traditions.