Gambia National Museum

The Gambia National Museum is a Gambian cultural museum located in Banjul. It is home to historical documents and displays concerning the History of the Gambia. It was opened in 1985, fifteen years after the Friends of the National Museum Association was established in 1970. The 1974 Monuments and Relics Act followed, which set into motion the plans for the National Museum. The museum’s primary goal is the collection and preservation of artifacts documenting the material culture of the Gambia, as well as to educate both visitors to the country and residents who may not be familiar with Gambian history.

The museum houses three floors of exhibits. The ground floor displays the political and cultural history of the nation’s capital, Banjul. On the basement level, one can learn about the musical heritage of the Gambia and see what instruments are popular throughout the country and on the second floor, you can learn about the archaeological history of West Africa and the Gambia.

The floor also details the nation’s colonial and post- Independence political and economic history. The museum has got a sound educational value. Gambian School children form the largest group of visitors, and the museum education programme of art classes, quiz, history video shows etc. have become supplementary to civics and social studies classes. The museum is also the most important tourist attraction in the Greater Banjul Area. It is playing its role in tourism promotion. Of course, the museum embodies the countries cultural and historical identity with its photo archives detailing over 70 years of Gambian history.