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Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani)

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Landmark
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Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)

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The Peace Memorial Museum, locally known as Beit el Amani, is a striking domed landmark in Stone Town, Zanzibar, opened in 1925. Designed by British architect J. H. Sinclair, the building features an Arab-inspired aesthetic with a prominent white dome, reminiscent of Byzantine or Islamic funerary architecture. The museum was originally established to commemorate the conclusion of World War I and to serve as a symbol of lasting peace. Its internal galleries house a vast collection documenting Zanzibar’s complex history, including the Sultanate era, the height of the slave trade, and the British protectorate years. Notable exhibits include personal artifacts belonging to the explorer David Livingstone and archival documents regarding the abolition of slavery. Set within lush gardens near the waterfront, the museum remains a vital institution for preserving the island's multifaceted cultural heritage. Although the building has faced structural challenges over the decades, it continues to be a key destination for historical education.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727272524242425262727
Rain mm1188916327917128212741111164141

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The museum in the circular building can be visited inside. Entry is ticketed, typically a small fee.
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Typical hours
The museum typically opens from 9 am to 5 pm, except on holidays. It's advisable to check exact hours in advance.
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Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash. The exhibits and architecture provide good subjects.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for the museum visit. The exhibition on Zanzibar's history is comprehensive.
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Combine with
Combine with other Stone Town attractions like the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. They are within walking distance.
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Getting there
The museum is in the heart of Stone Town, easily reached on foot. Taxis are a good option from other parts of the island.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum in the early morning to avoid crowds. Local guides often provide additional insights.

Geography

Coordinates
-6.16810, 39.18950

Facts

  • Opened to the public in 1925
  • Designed by British architect J. H. Sinclair
  • Known locally as Beit el Amani (House of Peace)
  • Built to commemorate the end of World War I
  • Houses personal items of explorer David Livingstone
  • Features a distinctive white Arab-style dome

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Stone Town of ZanzibarStone Town of Zanzibar<1 km · EExplore →
Maruhubi Palace RuinsMaruhubi Palace Ruins3 km · NEExplore →
Prison IslandPrison Island5 km · SEExplore →
Chumbe IslandChumbe Island10 km · WExplore →
UngujaUnguja12 km · NExplore →
Zanzibar Spice FarmZanzibar Spice Farm14 km · NEExplore →
Mangapwani Slave CavesMangapwani Slave Caves16 km · EExplore →
KiwengwaKiwengwa26 km · NEExplore →

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 Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (4)

Pange Island📍 landmark

Accessible via a short boat ride from Stone Town, this pristine sandbank island in Zanzibar provides excellent snorkeling among coastal coral reefs.

Peace Memorial Museum🏛 museum

Designed by architect J.H. Sinclair, this landmark museum with its distinctive spherical dome houses historical artifacts spanning Zanzibar's rich history.

Practical Permaculture Institute📍 landmark

Operating as an educational hub in Zanzibar, this institute teaches sustainable agricultural techniques and eco-friendly farming practices to local communities.

Nakupenda Beach🎡 recreation

This memorable sandbank off the Zanzibar coast, whose name translates to "I love you" in Swahili, is surrounded by crystal-clear, azure waters.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is exhibited in the museum?
It shows historical artifacts and the colonial past of Zanzibar.
Is it worth a visit for tourists?
Yes, those who want to learn more about the island's history will find it worthwhile.
How long does the tour take?
Plan about an hour for the museum.
Is the building itself worth seeing?
Yes, it is a beautiful example of colonial architecture.
Where exactly is the museum located?
It is located in Stone Town, not far from the city center.
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani): where is it located?
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) is located in Tanzania.
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani): what is there to see?
Highlights include Pange Island, Peace Memorial Museum, Practical Permaculture Institute.
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani): why is it worth visiting?
The Peace Memorial Museum, locally known as Beit el Amani, is a striking domed landmark in Stone Town, Zanzibar, opened in 1925.
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Nearby cities

Sumbawanga — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Sumbawanga
A regional center in the Ufipa Mountains, known for its isolated location.

History & landmarks

Hamamni Persian Baths — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Hamamni Persian Baths
Historical public baths in Zanzibar, built in the late 19th century for the elite.
Christ Church Cathedral — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Christ Church Cathedral
A historical Anglican church in Stone Town, built on the site of the former slave market.
Forodhani Bandstand — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Forodhani Bandstand
A historic pavilion in the Forodhani Gardens, where the famous night market takes place in the evening.
Old Dispensary — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Old Dispensary
A magnificently decorated building in Stone Town that reflects Zanzibar's multicultural architecture.
Malindi Mosque — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Malindi Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Stone Town, known for its unusual minaret.

More places

Stone Town of Zanzibar — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Stone Town of Zanzibar
The historical center of Zanzibar City, renowned for its rich Swahili culture and unique coral stone architecture.
Old Fort of Zanzibar — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Old Fort of Zanzibar
The oldest surviving structure in Stone Town, built by Omani Arabs to defend against the Portuguese.
House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib) — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib)
A former sultan's palace in Zanzibar, known as the tallest building in Stone Town and the first in East Africa to have electricity and an…
Malindi Port (Zanzibar) — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Malindi Port (Zanzibar)
The main port of Stone Town, managing passenger and freight traffic to the island of Zanzibar (Unguja).
🗺️
Maruhubi Palace Ruins
The remains of a large palace in Zanzibar, built for the concubines of Sultan Barghash bin Said in the 19th century.
🗺️
Mtoni Palace Ruins
The oldest palace ruins in Zanzibar, built in the 1820s for Sultan Seyyid Said and described in the memoirs of his daughter, Princess Salme.
Unguja — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Unguja
The main island of Zanzibar.
Mangapwani Slave Caves — Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani) (Tanzania)
Mangapwani Slave Caves
Natural and artificial caves on Zanzibar that served as a secret hiding place for slaves in the 19th century after the open slave trade w…