Advertisement
Cultural Heritage Centre

Cultural Heritage Centre

Cultural Heritage Centre
4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Cultural Heritage Centre established in the year 1994. Is the first of its kind in Africa dedicated towards exploring the rich treasures derived from African Culture. This family business is the result of culmination of hard work, unwavering dedication and knowledge acquired from the forefathers. At the helm of the affairs is the versatile managing director, Mr. Saifuddin Khanbhai, who has a solid knowledge of African Culture and traditions. Culture Heritage Center has acquired iconic status due to the unique structure of the buildings within its compound and having the treasure chest of African art which is keeping African Art alive. The main building is designed to resemble the Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro. It also has an impressive array of arts and crafts including unique masks, Verdite carvings and paintings by famous African sculptures. Cultural Heritage now boasts an impressible Art Gallery was build on his vision which was to promote the work of the local artists. The exterior of the Gallery is imp rived by a drum, shield and spear, all major African symbols. The symbols resonate with the role of the Gallery that is to represent, communicate and celebrate Africa's Cultural Heritage. Among its many world famous pieces of Art is a 18 feet family tree which took 20 years to make. People from all over the world also visit Cultural Heritage, for its unrivaled reputation of having the finest Tanzanite stones which are also found in the Mererani hills of Tanzania, best in the world. The interior has three areas (i) History, (ii) Wildlife and (iii) soul. Ethnographic artifacts fill the History area, the wildlife area consists of contemporary paintings and sculptures of the curvatures roaming the African Savanna and the soul area captures Africa's energy allure and essence. The art gallery also has an amphitheatre which often shows on the life of special Tanzanian tribes like the Maasai, Pygmies and Hadzabe. It is also used for conferences. Also offered at the centre are day rooms found on the top of the building. They serve as resting place in the calm environment after a long safari trp. The spa at the Gallery offers a verity of personal care and treatments. The proceeds from the Gallery go to the conservation of elephants in Africa and the main concept of this is anti poaching clearly defined by the sculpture of the large unique beaded elephant. However, other causes such as orphanages, schools and boreholes and well drilling benefit from the proceeds. The centre also has a restaurant, coffee chop, spice centre, beads centre, and flea shop, which offers a variety of artifacts at different prices. Apart from the art the centre vibrated with warm hospitality. Cultural Heritage is visited by tourists from all over the world. It has been honored by visits from distinguished guests and state leaders such as President Bill Clinton, The prince William of Holland and his wife, Former UN secretary Mr. Kofi Annan, and celebrities such as Cindy Crawford. However every visitor who visits Cultural Heritage is treated as a Celebrity.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Cultural Heritage Centre

See what travelers are saying

  • Desibabe
    30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Curated visit for an hour or two
    This is a great place for a couple of hours - artwork by local artists, lots of souvenir shops. The souvenir shops are fixed rate but the art gallery isn't. Same owner. If you like a painting or sculpture, you can negotiate. I visited the Tanzanite store here and they were welcoming, showed me some beautiful stones and explained how to evaluate stones. I bought a ring with a small stone and got the certificate with it. Very pleased with my purchase and wore it home. BUT less than a week later the stone fell out. Luckily, I found it but now have to take it to my local jeweler to get it reset.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 13, 2023
  • Ebru S
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting place with many things to see
    We visited the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center, where we saw amazing crafts and learned about Tanzania's traditions. There were colorful things and interesting stories – it was like a fun gallery! At night, we stayed at Tumbili Lodge. It was a cozy place with soft beds and tasty food. The lodge had a nice garden where we played and saw some friendly monkeys, or "tumbili" in Swahili. It was like a little adventure right at the lodge! The people from Tanzania Horizon Safaris and the lodge were really nice. They took care of us and made our trip special. Our guide Patrick told us cool things about the culture, and we laughed a lot. Even though it was a short visit, we had the best time at the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center and Tumbili Lodge with Tanzania Horizon Safaris.
    Thank you for the visit.
    Written January 4, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 2, 2023
  • mel7155
    Singapore, Singapore1,344 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ok place to visit to see local products . More expensive than outside and can’t bargain
    If you are into visiting and buying local products that you can’t bargain , then this place is for you . Do note that to me, I find the products way overpriced especially tanzanite where you can get at a lower price in your home country from a renowned gem dealer . Since tanzanite is a birth stone , you can find it in any country being sold. However there are some products available only in Tanzania, recently could purchase them here - stuff like fridge magnets , caps, patches for Kilimanjaro or Tanzanian safari parks , you can purchase them here for a small markup as the products are relatively low priced
    Dear Client, Based on your review, you are absolutely correct that we represent local artisans from various fields and the prices are set by them on the basis of fair trade As for Tanzanite, the quality dictates the price. So any Tanzanite you find in any other place has come from Arusha. We take customer feedback seriously and are committed to making things right. Thank you so much for taking the time to review us.
    Written January 2, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 22, 2023
  • mhmelon
    Austin, Texas17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cultural heritage center
    What an amazing place to tour. We met the owner and he gave us a lesson on buying tanzanite. I did purchase a lovely ring from him. The incredible art is far more than you can see in one day, we went back twice. The locals are so very talented in paintings, sculptures. Masks etc also no pressure to buy anything is also nice. I would recommend anyone visiting Arusha not to miss going in there.
    Thank you for the review and your recommendation. You are most welcome to visit us again.
    Written January 25, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 24, 2024
  • David N
    90 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Complete Village of African Crafts
    A complete village. Start with a walk around the museum with 4 floors of African antiques, sculptures, paintings etc. Sadly everything is for sale. After go shopping around the multiple craft shops and end with a coffee or food in the restaurant. A good 2 hours.
    Thank you for the review. The Art Gallery is a commercial gallery, hence everything is for sale. There is lots to see here and one can spend a whole day here.
    Written March 5, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 5, 2024
  • Leigh L
    Argyle, Texas19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Must See Gallery!! and you are allowed all time you need to browse and ask questions.
    This is an amazing place with incredible items from all over Africa. They offered a large number of distinctive masks that my son collects and were very careful in wrapping and securing the 5 that he bought so they would not get broken on the flights back to the USA. Jewelry, small and large crafts of every kind are available so be sure to allow time to browse the many areas.
    Thank you for the review.
    Written March 15, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 15, 2024
  • Stian Vee Straand
    Vradal, Norway15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Visit
    This was absolutly one of the best places we visited when we were in Arusha. A lot of cool shops and a fantastic gallery. The food in the restaurant was very good as well. Well worth a visit. Easily spent some hours here
    Thank you for the review. Glad you thoroughly enjoyed your visit. You are most welcome to visit us again.
    Written April 1, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 30, 2024
  • SAWASAWA_Ely
    Ely, United Kingdom20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Art
    There is amazing art to view mixed with cultural artefacts representing many different African countries. Well worth the visit. Stop and absorb the rich culture the continent has to offer
    Thank you for the review. We showcase the amazing different African cultures of the whole continent of Africa.
    Written April 1, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 30, 2024
  • jtbabi
    Erie, Pennsylvania422 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great stop in Arusha
    A must see in Arusha! The art gallery was incredible and the shops had a lot to peruse through! The owner happened to be there and spent some time speaking with us about the history and future plans for the center. It was an overall great place to visit.
    Thank you for the review. Cultural Heritage is a treasure trove of African Culture.
    Written April 23, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 23, 2024
  • Clw
    Santa Monica, California24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Art and good commercial products reflecting the culture
    This facility has upgraded tremendously since our first visit more than ten years ago. The art gallery is wonderful and they are building a Jane Goodall facility. The commercial aspects are abundant and can supply most of one's souveneir needs. The owner is a key Tanzanite dealer and very reputable. He is also a very socially responsible citizen and we were very pleased to spend some time getting to know him. This facility is a must visit on the tourist circuit in Arusha.
    Thank you for the review and you are most welcome to visit us again.
    Written April 26, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,195 reviews
Excellent
587
Very good
379
Average
155
Poor
37
Terrible
37

Jan Taylor
Atlanta, GA3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
We were lucky to have been taken to this beautiful arts and crafts gallery in Arusha before leaving the country. It was so big and the paints were just too beautiful, like the fact that they are mostly from the african artists. Prices are a bit high but they let you negotiate until you get the best price for yourself. Was able to buy a few souvenirs for my family and friends. A must visit place whilst in Arusha
Written April 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review and enjoying the vast variety of our African art collection.
Written April 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Annie J
Reading, PA141 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
This center is a wealth of beautiful artwork, craftsmanship, and artifacts! I can see why other reviews said they spent hours wandering through the many galleries here. We stopped here on our way from JRO and spent about two hours walking through the center and admiring all of the different works. Everything is for sale! We were told that 80% of sale goes back to the artist and the other 20% is split between keeping the building running and donations to local charities, mostly benefiting children. While visiting we met the owner who was lovely to chat with and is very passionate about the mission of the center. If you are looking for a place to buy a souvenir - this is it! You can find anything from clothing, to trinkets, Christmas ornaments, kitchen ware, jewelry (especially Tanzanite!) and more! Definitely worth a stop!
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review and the visit. Glad you enjoyed the visit.
Written October 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Barry Marcus
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
The Cultural Heritage Centre is a beautiful national museum of art and sculpture. Within the center there is a store which sells tanzanite jewelry. It was recommended to us by our guide. I purchased a beautiful tanzanite pendant for my wife which unfortunately was lost several months later as the chain broke. The chain was NOT purchased from the Cultural Center but rather back home.
I contacted the center in order to purchase a new one as I wanted to surprise my wife. Naturally I was very apprehensive to repurchase a new one by way of mail but I nevertheless decided to do so. I dealt with both Yasmin and Zehra who sent me a photo of a new pendant which they assured me was as beautiful as the one we purchased earlier. They had the records of our prior purchase. I took the chance to wire the money and very shortly thereafter we received an absolutely beautiful new pendant even with a new chain which I did not have to pay for. They were not only easy to deal with but absolutely reliable and honorable. I received exactly what I expected! I cannot recommend this store more for anyone who travels to beautiful Tanzania and would like to purchase a beautiful tanzanite piece of jewelry.
Written February 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mr. Barry Marcus, Thank you for the lovely review. We are so happy to hear your wife likes the pendant which is hand made by our famous jewelers. Though it took sometime to liase with the logistics of sending you the pendant but it was worthwhile for us to have always our satisfied clients. We always yearn for full satisfaction. Please convey our greetings to you wife and we wish her the best and hope she enjoys the pendant forever and once again thank you for your review.
Written February 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LisaCarlson
Moscow, ID497 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The city of Arusha and Tanzanians can be proud of their cultural center. It's free, highlights African art and sculpture as well as crafts. It also offers all the shopping opportunities your heart could desire in a relaxed atmosphere. / The modern building for art is complimented by the small more authentic African huts for crafts.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review and highlighting our establishment.
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JPatterson
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The entrance greets you with a live African band using traditional instruments. You can wonder for hours through a wide collection of shops that has souvenirs you've seen in every little shop plus so much more: household, clothing, art, history.

I personally collect Christmas items on my travels and found several unique items at the center. They were also able to take credit cards which most little shops couldn't do so we didn't have to deplete our cash.

The art gallery was incredible and worth a look. The Jane Goodall center is in the planning and I expect it will be well-done when it is completed. We were fortunate enough to be there when she was visiting to help with the planning of the center and so had a quick chat and picture with her...lucky us!
Written June 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review and are most welcome to visit us again.
Written August 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mike d
Fort Lauderdale, FL5 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
Once you enter this huge curio store you are immediately approached by an "assistant" who follows you until you leave. There is everything and more...Everything is extremely overpriced. we bought some carvings and the same where cheaper at the airport. Avoid this place.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Client, I do not know if you are talking about our establishment for all the goods sold here at Cultural Heritage are on consignment and it goes back to help the community and we work on Fair trade. We support over 3000 Artists and we take pride in helping the artist and the community through Fair trade and we take pride in our quality and price.
Written December 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Karen S
Langho, UK23 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
We expected a museum which had art work for sale. However there is little in the way of education about the area and tribes people although it is an impressive art gallery.
If an art gallery is what you want then you’d give it 5 stars, however we wanted a museum.
The coffee shop was lovely although a little pricy.
The building is stunning and spotlessly clean.
A guidebook/or reading material about some of the works may have led us to give a better review.
Some amazing artwork although pricy.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

HinMunich
Munich, Germany84 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
Great repository of all forms of art from paintings, sculptures, basketry and textiles. However, the amount of items on display is overwhelming and leads to a feeling of overload due to the piles in every nook and cranny (with the exception of some areas in the art gallery). Some artwork has even been damaged from having been propped on the ground in haphazard stacks. Very overpriced to the point we did not even contemplate buying anything. Animal paintings being sold for USD 3000 here can be seen at roadside craft stores. The proprietor should understand that his price point is astronomically high and he might even increase sales and make a better profit by lowering prices. A similar blanket was half the price at Shanga with the proceeds going to the disabled community. I would also query whether all items are produced in Tanzania or even Africa, or whether some are mass produced in China. We are always happy to pay higher prices when traveling in developing countries and make a real effort to support local communities, we also prefer fixed pricing however, this was beyond ridiculous. The staff are also slightly downcast and without much warmth and follow at a distance even when you say that you would like to browse without assistance. Overall, the feeling I came away with was that this was a marketplace with the intention to fleece tourists.
Written June 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review. Unfortunately we feel reading your review that you want to compare the largest Art Gallery in Africa with roadside shacks and I can understand that not everyone has the ability to understand the value of Art, so we want to let you know that we appreciate your review and as we do not have a charge to enjoy our Gallery and the shops so it did not cost you to come and look at the largest Art Gallery in Africa which we take pride in supporting over 3000 families through our endeavors.
Written June 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DavidGunn1
Edmonton, Canada559 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We visited the Cultural Heritage Centre which is a combination of art gallery and art shop. It is a very interesting architectural work and much of the art is very attractive and representative of contemporary Tanzanian art. Everything is for sale. We met the owner who runs the Tanzanite jewelry shop. He was an interesting and committed entrepreneur. It is a great, safe place for tourists.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review and enjoying African art. Glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JohnL
Sweden31 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
If you like arts and crafts this is definitely a place for you. There are some really cool things to see and the whole vibe and atmosphere is really nice. There are so many beautiful paintings and handmade crafts that you wanna buy everything. Unfortunately the prices are a bit high and we just bought a few small things.

Personally I would have liked some more alternatives than these fancy souvenirs but I guess those are the ones in the local markets and streets. Anyhow entrance is free and I really recommend a visit if you have some time to spare.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review and enjoying African Art and handicrafts. We have a vast variety of souvenirs for all price ranges and our prices are based on fair trade. Entrance is free of charge and you can see the largest collection of African antiques and Art for free. Thank you for the visit.
Written June 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-10 of 1,026
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Cultural Heritage Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

All Arusha HotelsArusha Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Arusha
All things to do in Arusha
Day Trips in Arusha
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars