The Museum of Natural History in Maputo is a prime spot for tourists, with its unique wildlife displays.
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The Museum of Natural History was built in 1911, originally as a school, then in 1933 it was converted into a museum. It has subsequently been restored over the years to preserve its former state. Its architecture echoes Portuguese neo-gothic and colonial styles.
The gardens display a mural by Malangatana Valente Ngwenya, painted after independence.
The museum’s largest display is a taxidermy collection of African wildlife, accompanied by interactive computer terminal. The animals are arranged as they would have been in the wild with some gathered around a watering hole and others in a feeding battle.
A pair of papier maché rhinos have replaced the original real animals, which were stolen from the museum.
Smaller window displays give facts and stories on the animals, with a well-preserved honey badger, digging a hole in one of the glass cases. Insect models, fossils, artefacts and snake species are among the pieces on display.
The Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Maputo.
