ABOUT US
Who We Are
The Livingstone Museum is one of five national museums in Zambia operating under the National Museums Board within the government Ministry of Tourism and Arts. The National Museums Board has the principal role of researching, collecting, documenting, preserving and presenting Zambia’s movable heritage for public benefit, education and enjoyment.
History of the Museum
The Livingstone Museum is Zambia’s oldest and largest museum. The collections date back to 1930, when the Secretary of Native Affairs convinced the Government of the importance of collecting the material culture of the various ethnic groups, which was fast dying out. Consequently, the Government set aside funds for the purchase of cultural artefacts by district officers. These collections formed the foundation of the museum.
1934
The Museum first opened its doors to the public in 1934 in the old Magistrate’s Court building.
In the same year it was extended into a memorial of David Livingstone, the famous Missionary and Explorer and first white man to see the Victoria Falls and, as such, became known as the ‘David Livingstone Memorial Museum’.
First Location of the Museum – former Magistrate’s Court
1937
The Museum found its second home in 1937, in the former United Services Club building.
Second Location of the Museum – former United Services Club Building
1939-1951
The Rhodes-Livingstone Institute was started and incorporated with the David Livingstone Memorial Museum. In 1939 the collection was expanded to include relics of Cecil Rhodes and the British South African Company. In 1946, the Museum and the Institute were separated and the Museum’s name changed to the ‘Rhodes-Livingstone Museum’.
In 1945, fund-raising for a Museum building started. Work on the building started in 1949 and was completed in 1950. It was designed by Major W J Roberts in Spanish style. The museum was officially opened in 1951.
The current museum building completed in 1950 and opened in 1951.
1963
In 1963 a research wing was added to the museum building to provide workspace and storage rooms for Archaeology, Ethnography and History.
The research wing added in 1963
1966
In 1966 a Natural History Wing was added. The name of the Museum changed from the Rhodes-Livingstone Museum to its present name of the Livingstone Museum in 1966.
Second Location of the Museum – former United Services Club Building
Past and present directors
1938 – 1961
Desmond Clark
1961 – 1964
Gervis Clay
1964 – 1966
Barry Reynolds
1966 – 1968
Clifford Cross
1968 – 1972
Ladislav Holy
1972 – 1978
Kafungulwa Mubitana
1978 – 1993
Mwimanji Chellah
1994 – 2012
Vincent Katanekwa
2013 – 2014
Chipo Simunchembu
2015 –
George Mudenda
Other museums and galleries in Zambia
community museums:
Nayuma Museum - Limulunga
Nsingo Museum – Chipata
Chikanta Palace Museum – Kalomo
Mwansabombwe Community Museum
other museums & art galleries:
Railway Museum – Livingstone
Gateway Jewish Museum - Livingstone
Field Museum - Livingstone
National Art Gallery – Livingstone
GET IN TOUCH
Email: info@livingstonemuseum.org
Phone: +260-(0)213-324429
OPENING HOURS:
Open every day: 09:00 - 16:30
Closed on 25 December and 1 January
Wheelchair friendly
ENTRY FEES:
Residents: Adults K10, Children K5
Non-residents: Adults US$5, Children US$3
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is the Museum open on public holidays?
A. Yes, except for Christmas and New Year
Q. Does the Museum take payment by visa card?
A. Yes, it accepts cash or Visa or Mastercard
Q. Is the Museum open at weekends?
A. Yes.
Q. Is the Museum suitable for children?
A. Yes.
Q. Does the Museum have a restaurant?
A. Yes.
Q. Is the museum wheelchair friendly?
A. Yes.
Q. Is there a craft shop?
A. Yes.