On Independence Drive, in the heart of Banjul, The Gambia National Museum sits in the former Bathurst Club, a colonial-era building from the 1920s that had been restricted to European residents. Today, its three floors of exhibits provide an eclectic introduction to The Gambia’s history, from ancient settlements, through the slave period and colonial rule, to the present day. It’s a little bit worn and modest, but the musical instruments, handicrafts, photographs and other artifacts bring the history and culture of the nation to life. Ask a volunteer to share details about the museum’s program to transcribe oral histories and legends passed down through the generations. It’s vital work preserving an elusive element of Gambian culture.
Authentic Tribal Masks, The Gambia, West Africa
Rick Strange/© Rick Strange
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The Gambia National Museum
On Independence Drive, in the heart of Banjul, The Gambia National Museum sits in the former Bathurst Club, a colonial-era building from the 1920s that had been restricted to European residents. Today, its three floors of exhibits provide an eclectic introduction to The Gambia’s history, from ancient settlements, through the slave period and colonial rule, to the present day. It’s a little bit worn and modest, but the musical instruments, handicrafts, photographs and other artifacts bring the history and culture of the nation to life. Ask a volunteer to share details about the museum’s program to transcribe oral histories and legends passed down through the generations. It’s vital work preserving an elusive element of Gambian culture.
