Celebrate the Culture of Africa at Arusha Cultural Heritage Center

The city of Arusha is situated in the wonderful country of Tanzania. Although this region is popularly known for attractions, like the Arusha National Park and the Anusha airport, there is actually much more to this place that needs to be discovered. One of these gems is the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, which gives an insight into the African culture that you must not miss. This is your chance to witness the true culture of the country and gain an understanding of its history and the life of its people, much beyond the popular understanding of the country as being only a Safari destination.

Where is the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre?

The Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is located towards the western edge of Arusha along the Dodoma Road. It is located right opposite Soko Mujinja, which is a famous market in Anusha. 

What is the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre like?

As one enters the campus of the Cultural Heritage Centre Arusha, a grand museum building stands at the centre, which has a modern architecture design and houses. Perhaps the biggest collection of African art in today’s world. One can possibly fathom the range of art pieces that they get to witness at the centre. From wood, crafts furniture, and famous antique doors from Zanzibar to beautiful paintings and photography pieces, you will not be bored for a minute once you enter. People can spend hours observing the pieces presented and learning more about them and the African culture. If you get tired of the process, there is also a restaurant and coffee bar on the premises of the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre. 

The State of the Art Museum

A cultural heritage Centre has a state of the art gallery which has a number of antiques and beautiful paintings. This collection comes from various part of Africa like Gaana, the Ivory Coast Congo and many others. it also features weapons from the Masai which are made of animal hides and skin, and many other unique art pieces.

Another one of the Centre’s popular attractions, the Tanzanite Museum, Arusha, is also a part of this building. Tanzanite is a rare blue or violet gemstone that is unique to Tanzania. It is found in a very small mining area near the Mirerani Hills. The stone is also available for purchase in various quantities. So one might do that as well, depending on your budget; the museum also houses some other precious stones like emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, opals, and Rubies. Loose stones and handmade jewellery can be purchased by both visitors and tourists. 

What is there to see at the Museum?

an interesting fact about the cultural heritage Centre Arusha, is that a  tribe owns an art section in the museum. The Maconda tribe specialises in the Konde Art, which is been passed on for generations. Now most of their art pieces are cared out of a wood called ebony and the results are magnificent.

The museum also houses a large variety of masks, which give a special insight into the unique African culture. African communities have been well-known for their craft. Work and masks are usually a part of their culture. Almost all typical African ceremonies involve masks, and historically, African kings and chiefs have had a variety of masks. Different kinds of masks were worn at different ceremonies and can be made of wood, some beads, copper, etc., depending on who is worried and for what occasion.

The glass pieces

A glass shop called the Kitengela Glass Shop houses some of the best quality glass, which is a result of recycling with a colour effect. This particular section of the museum is filled with magnificent, sparkling glass designs, curd almost to perfection on vessels, utensils, and much more.

The Spice in Life

Another one of the attractions at the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center is the Spice Center. This is the one particular section of the museum that you will be able to smell even before you see it. The wonderful aroma of the spices around the place makes for a perfect visit. The exclusive restaurant run at the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is also Arusha’s finest restaurant, and all delicacies prepared here are some of the most popular dishes in the area- pertaining to different cuisines- like Indian, European and African cuisines. Fresh juices and crisp salads also form a part of this wonderful culinary adventure. 

What is the best time to visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre?

The Cultural Heritage Center Arusha, Tanzania, is open all year round- so technically, you may visit it at any time during the year. Additionally, the visit is mostly going to be an indoor activity, so the sun and the scorching heat of the dry months should not be an issue either. However, it is still advisable to visit during the dry months, around the months of June to October, so you’re not worried about the rains. Visiting during the dry season would also be beneficial for your overall trip, for that is the best time for safaris and game drives.

Conclusion:

Now that you have all the information about the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, including the Tanzanite Museum in Arusha, as well as the wonders made of glass and the popular Spice Centre as well, now is the time to book your tickets and hop on your flight to the wonderful land of Arusha, and experience its history and culture at the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre for a truly unique vacation experience.