The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe🏛 museum
This national natural history museum is adjacent to the amphitheatre in Centenary Park.
🌐 naturalhistorymuseumzimbabwe.com🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00
Plizio Visual Lab
Centenary Park Amphitheatre
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Centenary Park Amphitheatre in Bulawayo is a major outdoor event venue in Zimbabwe's second-largest city. It was originally constructed for the Rhodes Centenary Exhibition in 1953 to mark the 100th anniversary of Cecil Rhodes' birth. The facility is characterized by its semicircular seating arrangement and the distinctive stage integrated into the natural park landscape. Over the years, the amphitheatre has hosted numerous concerts, political rallies, and cultural festivals, such as the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo. The surrounding Centenary Park is a green oasis with lush lawns and shade-providing trees. Despite the age of the structure, it remains an indispensable venue for the city's cultural life. The acoustics of the open-air theater are prized by performers for their natural clarity. It represents Bulawayo's long-standing tradition as Zimbabwe's cultural capital.
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Top sights: The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe · Bulawayo Theatre
- Nearby: Inyati (54 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 126 | 120 | 79 | 31 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 27 | 83 | 144 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The amphitheatre in Bulawayo's Centenary Park is a publicly accessible open-air theatre. It can be visited free of charge during park opening hours, as long as no events are taking place.
Typical hours
The park is typically open from sunrise to sunset, with the amphitheatre accessible during that time. Events have separate schedules; check the City of Bulawayo website for details.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park and around the amphitheatre. For professional shoots or drones, a permit from the city council may be required.
Time needed
A quick visit to the amphitheatre takes about 15-30 minutes if you admire the architecture. Allow an hour if you also want to explore the rest of Centenary Park.
Combine with
Centenary Park is located in central Bulawayo, near the Natural History Museum and the Khami Ruins. Combine your visit with the National Museum and Matobo National Park.
Getting there
The park is within walking distance of Bulawayo city center, about a 15-minute stroll. Taxis and minibuses stop near the main entrance on Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Road.
Insider tip
Ask at the Bulawayo tourist office about the event calendar, as the amphitheatre often hosts local concerts and plays. Arrive early to secure a good seat on the stone tiers.
Geography
Facts
- The amphitheatre was built for the 1953 Centenary Exhibition.
- It is located within the larger Centenary Park complex.
- The seating capacity can accommodate several thousand spectators.
- It is a primary venue for the annual Intwasa Arts Festival.
- The park also houses a Natural History Museum nearby.
- The facility is often used for religious gatherings and choral concerts.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Centenary Park Amphitheatre (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is to be seen at the Centenary Park amphitheatre?
It is a venue for performances and concerts.
Is the park open to the public?
Yes, during the day the park is a beautiful place for walks.
Are there entry fees for the theatre?
Only for specific performances.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes, public toilets are available.
Is it safe?
Safe during the day, caution is advised in the evening.
Centenary Park Amphitheatre: where is it located?
Centenary Park Amphitheatre is located in Zimbabwe.
Centenary Park Amphitheatre: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo Theatre.
Centenary Park Amphitheatre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Centenary Park Amphitheatre: why is it worth visiting?
The Centenary Park Amphitheatre in Bulawayo is a major outdoor event venue in Zimbabwe's second-largest city.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Zimbabwe →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Bulawayo City Hall
The historic municipal administration building in the center of Bulawayo.
St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica (Bulawayo)
A Roman Catholic basilica in Bulawayo featuring impressive architecture.
Bulawayo Centre
A large shopping and business complex in downtown Bulawayo.
NRZ Headquarters
The imposing main administration building of the National Railways of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
🗺️
Barbourfields Stadium
The main football stadium in Bulawayo and home to the popular club Highlanders FC.
More places
Delta Beverages Bulawayo
A key brewing and distribution hub for the southern regions of Zimbabwe.
Bulawayo Dry Port
An inland terminal strategically placed to connect South African and regional rail networks.
Bulawayo Children's Park
A public park with play areas for children.
🗺️
Bulawayo Bird Sanctuary
An urban sanctuary for diverse bird species.
Old Bulawayo
The former capital of King Lobengula, which he burned down himself in 1893.
🗺️
How Mine
A significant gold mining operation located just outside Bulawayo.
Khami Ruins
Khami was the capital of the Torwa dynasty and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bulawayo Hills
Hilly terrain around Bulawayo.