African Art Gallery
Contemporary and traditional art from across Tanzania and Africa.
Tanzania Museums
Cultural Heritage Centre, Arusha
A striking complex on the edge of Arusha where art, gemstones, crafts and the cultures of Tanzania's 120 tribes come together under one roof.
- Location
- 2 km from Arusha centre
- Known For
- African art gallery
- Also here
- Gemstones & crafts
- Visit time
- 1 – 2 hours
Discover the Cultural Heritage Centre
Tanzania's cultures under one roof.
The Cultural Heritage Centre is a striking complex on the outskirts of Arusha, about 2 km from the city centre along the Arusha–Dodoma road. It houses an African art gallery, a precious stone and jewellery shop and a restaurant.
It is a place where the past and present of Tanzania's 120 tribes can be seen in a single compound, with carvings, gemstones, artefacts, clothing and books. The centre has welcomed famous visitors including Thabo and Zanele Mbeki, King Harald, Queen Sonja and Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, and US presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
Why visit
Art, culture and unique souvenirs.
The centre is a perfect stop for art lovers and anyone looking for meaningful souvenirs.
Tanzanite & Gemstones
A gem shop featuring tanzanite, found only in Tanzania near Arusha.
Carvings & Crafts
Makonde carvings, textiles, beadwork and artefacts from many tribes.
Famous Visitors
A centre that has hosted heads of state and royalty from around the world.
Location
Where is the Cultural Heritage Centre?
The centre is about 2 km from Arusha city centre on the Arusha–Dodoma road, on the way out of town towards the northern parks.
It is an easy stop at the start or end of a safari, or on an Arusha city tour.
When to visit
When to visit.
The centre is open year-round.
Dry Season
Dry, pleasant weather and the most popular time to travel in northern Tanzania.
Short Rains
Short afternoon showers and green scenery.
Warm & Dry
Warm days and clear skies, a great time to visit.
Long Rains
The wettest months; museums and indoor sites are a good choice on rainy days.
Month by month.
Any month is suitable for a visit.
Warm and clear, a great month to visit.
Warm and dry before the long rains.
Long rains begin; plan indoor visits around showers.
The wettest month, but indoor sites remain open.
Rains ease towards the end of the month.
Dry season begins, with cool mornings.
Cool and dry, ideal for sightseeing.
Dry and clear, a popular travel month.
Pleasant and dry, excellent for exploring.
Warm and dry before the short rains.
Short rains bring brief showers.
Warm, green and festive.
Explore the area
What you will find.
Galleries, shops and dining in one complex.
Main buildingAfrican Art GalleryA spiral gallery of paintings, sculptures and artworks.
ShopsGemstone & Jewellery ShopTanzanite and other precious stones.
ShopsCrafts & ArtefactsCarvings, textiles, books and traditional items.
DiningRestaurantA restaurant serving local and international dishes.
Tanzanite
A gem found only in Tanzania.
Tanzanite, a striking blue-violet gemstone, is found in only one place in the world: the hills of Mererani near Arusha. The Cultural Heritage Centre is a trusted place to learn about and buy tanzanite.
Alongside the gems, the gallery showcases the creativity of Tanzania's many cultures, making it one of the best places in Arusha to find authentic art and souvenirs.
Safaris to 中文
Arusha tours
Day tours and safaris that include the Cultural Heritage Centre.
Tanzania · 10 days
10-Day Exceptional Northern Tanzania Safari: A Luxury Tour by Air
Tarangire · Lake Manyara · Serengeti
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 4 days
4-Day Serengeti Luxury Fly-In Safari
Serengeti
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 5 days
5-Day Ultimate Fly-In/Out Safari from Arusha/Zanzibar
Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 2 days
2-Day Ngorongoro Crater Luxury Safari Prodigy
Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 5 days
5-Day Ultimate Luxury Fly-In & Out Prodigy
Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 6 days
6-Day Buffalo Safari Experience
Tarangire · Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 11 days
11-Day Enchanting Trip Experience
Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti · Lake Natron
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 15 days
15-Day The Best of the Northern Circuit Taste
Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti · Lake Natron
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 4 days
4-Day Northern Untrammelled Beauty
Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Stay in 中文
Where to stay in Arusha
Lodges and hotels in and around Arusha.
Silver tier
Arusha, TanzaniaShoki Shoki LodgeA cozy garden retreat at the foot of Mount Meru, the perfect place to rest before or after your safari.Mount Meru viewsView lodge
Gold tier
Arusha, TanzaniaArusha Planet LodgeAn eco-friendly retreat in lush tropical gardens on the quiet outskirts of Arusha, just minutes from the city centre.Eco-friendly lodgeView lodge
Platinum tier
Arusha, TanzaniaGran Meliá ArushaA five-star urban oasis set among coffee and tea plantations, with sweeping views of Mount Meru.5-star city hotelView lodge
GipsonTravel ExpertOnline
Planning time in Arusha?
Tell us your plans and we will include the Cultural Heritage Centre on your route.
Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind the centre.
The Cultural Heritage Centre was created to celebrate and preserve the arts and cultures of Tanzania's many peoples, and its distinctive architecture has made it an Arusha landmark.
Over the years, it has welcomed statesmen and royalty and remains a favourite stop for travellers before and after their safaris.
Where is the Cultural Heritage Centre?
About 2 km from Arusha city centre on the Arusha–Dodoma road.
What can I see there?
An African art gallery, gemstones including tanzanite, carvings, crafts and books.
How long does a visit take?
About one to two hours.
Can I buy tanzanite there?
Yes, the centre has a gemstone and jewellery shop.
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes, the complex includes a restaurant.
Can I visit on the way to a safari?
Yes, it is on the main road out of Arusha towards the northern parks.
Your safari starts here
Ready to explore Arusha's culture?
Let Gip Adventure include the Cultural Heritage Centre in your Arusha visit.