Nairobi National Museum: Fees, Hours and Family Guide
Museums and history in Museum Hill, Nairobi
Nairobi National Museum is Nairobi's main museum, with galleries on human origins, nature, cultures and art. Kenyan and East African adults pay KES 350 and children pay KES 200. It is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and most families plan 2 to 3 hours.
What is Nairobi National Museum?
Nairobi National Museum is the main museum of the National Museums of Kenya. It stands on Museum Hill, between the city centre and Westlands.
The galleries cover four themes: nature, history, culture and art. Displays include human origins material linked to the Turkana Boy, bird and animal specimens, and exhibitions on the peoples of Kenya. Contemporary art is shown in both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The Snake Park is next door and has its own ticket. A combined ticket covers both. The grounds have botanical gardens, and the museum has shops and places to eat.
Most families plan 2 to 3 hours. The galleries are indoors, so it works on a rainy day. Cash is not accepted. Payment is through eCitizen.
Nairobi National Museum ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | KES 350 | KES 200 |
Rates apply from 7 May 2026 and are for Kenyan and East African citizens.
Residents and rest of Africa pay USD 9 for adults and USD 6 for children. Visitors from outside Africa pay USD 18 for adults and USD 9 for children.
Snake Park alone: KES 350 for adults and KES 200 for children. Combined museum and Snake Park ticket: KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children.
No cash. Payment is through eCitizen.
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Estimates only, based on the rates above (checked 14 Oct 2026). Extras vary.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Buy the combined ticket If the Snake Park is on the plan, the combined ticket is KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children. Two separate tickets cost KES 700 and KES 400.
- Pay without cash The museum does not take cash. Have M-Pesa or a card ready at the ticket desk.
- Arrive at opening Galleries are quieter before mid-morning, so children can see the exhibits without crowds.
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Short visit | Babies and toddlers can come along. Keep the visit short and stay close to them. |
| 3–5 years | Good with the Snake Park | Animal specimens and the Snake Park hold attention best at this age. Pick one or two galleries. |
| 6–9 years | Good | Human origins displays, animal specimens and the Snake Park suit this age. |
| 10–12 years | Very good | Old enough to follow the human origins and culture galleries. |
| 13+ years | Good | Contemporary art and the full galleries. Plan 2 to 3 hours. |
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Key details
- Address
- Museum Hill Road, Nairobi
- Opening hours
- Daily, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, including weekends and public holidays Open now
- How long to plan
- 2 to 3 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Indoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
- Payment accepted
- M-Pesa
What to expect when you visit
Tickets come first. Buy them at the ticket desk at the main entrance. The museum does not take cash. Payment is through eCitizen, so have M-Pesa or a card ready on your phone.
Then the galleries. The exhibits cover human origins, natural history, the cultures of Kenya and contemporary art. Children who like animals will find bird and animal specimens. Allow about 2 hours for the museum alone.
Add the Snake Park if time allows. It is next door. The combined ticket costs less than two separate tickets.
Finish in the gardens or at a restaurant. The grounds have botanical gardens, and there are places to eat on site.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Can I pay cash at the ticket desk?
No. The museum does not take cash. Payment is through eCitizen, so keep M-Pesa or a card ready.
What do toddlers pay?
The official fee chart lists adult and child rates only. Ask the museum before you go if you need the toddler rate.
Do I need to book?
Not for a normal visit. Tickets are sold at the ticket desk at the main entrance. Groups of 10 or more can book night tours in advance.
Is it open on public holidays?
Yes. The museum is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, including weekends and public holidays.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Minimum age
- No minimum age
- Facilities
- Cafe or food on site
- Access and parking
- Stroller friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessible toilets
Tickets and costs
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Snake Park, with a separate or combined ticket. Night tours for groups of 10 or more, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, booked in advance.
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Arrive at opening, from 8:30 am. The galleries are quieter and cooler early in the day.
- Busiest times
- Mid to late morning.
- How to get there
The museum is on Museum Hill, near Uhuru Highway, between the city centre and Westlands.
- By car
- Allow 10 to 20 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic. Museum Hill is off Uhuru Highway, so allow extra time at weekday rush hours.
- Combine with
Snake Park: next door, KES 350 for adults and KES 200 for children, or KES 600 and KES 300 on the combined ticket. Nairobi Gallery: Kenyatta Avenue in the city centre, KES 300 for adults and KES 200 for children.
- What to bring
Phone with M-Pesa, because cash is not accepted. Water. Comfortable walking shoes. Light jacket.
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
The museum and the Snake Park are next to each other, and one combined ticket covers both. Nairobi Gallery is a separate stop in the city centre.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Nairobi National Museum?
- Adults pay KES 350 and children pay KES 200. Rates apply from 7 May 2026 and are for Kenyan and East African citizens. Residents and rest of Africa pay USD 9 for adults and USD 6 for children. Visitors from outside Africa pay USD 18 for adults and USD 9 for children. Snake Park alone: KES 350 for adults and KES 200 for children. Combined museum and Snake Park ticket: KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children. No cash. Payment is through eCitizen. Prices checked 14 Oct 2026.
- What are the Nairobi National Museum opening hours?
- Daily, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, including weekends and public holidays. Busiest: Mid to late morning.
- Is Nairobi National Museum suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: No minimum age.
- How long do you need at Nairobi National Museum?
- Plan for 2 to 3 hours.
- What payment methods does Nairobi National Museum accept?
- Nairobi National Museum accepts M-Pesa. It does not accept cash.
- Is Nairobi National Museum accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Stroller friendly, Wheelchair accessible, Accessible toilets.
- What is the best time to visit Nairobi National Museum?
- Arrive at opening, from 8:30 am. The galleries are quieter and cooler early in the day. It is busiest Mid to late morning.
- How do you get to Nairobi National Museum?
- Allow 10 to 20 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic. Museum Hill is off Uhuru Highway, so allow extra time at weekday rush hours. The museum is on Museum Hill, near Uhuru Highway, between the city centre and Westlands.
- Is the Snake Park included in the museum ticket?
- No. It has its own ticket. A combined ticket for both costs KES 600 for adults and KES 300 for children.
- How long should I plan for Nairobi National Museum?
- Plan 2 to 3 hours. Add extra time if you visit the Snake Park.
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