Tsumeb Museum | Tsumeb

The Tsumeb Museum is a historical and cultural institution located in the northern mining town of Tsumeb. It is housed in the "Old German Private School," a national monument built in 1915, and is widely considered one of the most detailed small museums in Namibia.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is a single-story colonial-style building with a distinctive red-tiled roof and shaded verandas. The courtyard is filled with large industrial artifacts, including a 1912 narrow-gauge steam locomotive and a "lokomobile" used for power generation. Inside, the rooms are divided by theme, featuring high-density displays of minerals, weapons, and ethnographic items.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: President Avenue, opposite United Nations Park (Main Street), Tsumeb.

Access: Easily reachable by any vehicle; it is located on the main route for travelers heading to Etosha National Park or the Zambezi Region.

Hours (2026): * Mon–Fri: 09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 17:00.

Sat: 09:00 – 12:00.

Sun/Holidays: Closed (unless by special prior arrangement for large groups).

Fees: Approximately N$30–N$50 for adults; reduced rates for children and Namibian citizens.

Key Highlights & Exhibits

Khorab Room: Houses an extraordinary collection of restored German artillery, machine guns, and ammunition recovered from Lake Otjikoto. These were dumped by retreating German Schutztruppe in 1915 to prevent capture by Union forces.

Mineral Room: Tsumeb is a world-renowned geological site (IUGS Heritage Site) with over 300 identified minerals. The room displays rare specimens, including azurite, cerussite, and minerals unique to the Tsumeb ore pipe.

Ethnology Display: Features traditional artifacts, tools, and clothing of the San (Bushmen), Himba, and Owambo people.

The "New" Mineralogic & Mining Museum (TMMM): Opened in late 2025/early 2026 on the historic mine site nearby. This sister facility focuses specifically on scientific mineralogy and houses over 250 high-quality specimens with interactive UV-light displays.

Historical Significance

The museum preserves the legacy of the Tsumeb Mine, which operated from 1905 to 1996 and was once the largest lead producer in Africa. It also documents the town's role as a strategic rail and military hub during both World Wars.

Nearby Landmarks

Lake Otjikoto: 20 km West (The source of the museum’s artillery).

Lake Guinas: 50 km West (Deepest sinkhole lake in Namibia).

Hoba Meteorite: 25 km West.

Etosha National Park (Von Lindequist Gate): 100 km Northwest.