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National Museum - Nairobi, Kenya
The handover of the construction phase for the Nairobi National Museum took place on 4th December 2007.
The museum was officially opened on July 14, 2008 by HE the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Hon. Mwai Kibaki, CGH, MP. It has since become a centre of choice for event organisers, hosting high profile corporate events and private functions (Business Daily, January 13, 2009 Page 13).
The Museum had been closed for renovations financed by the European Union at Sh736 million. Work began in 1999, construction in October 2005 and completion in August 2007.
On 4th December 2007 a cocktail party was held at the Museum to mark the end of the construction phase of the rehabilitation. Triad Architects carried out the redesign and supervision of the construction of the Museum galleries that cost over Sh350 million.
The project's key component of the master plan was the design of the new visitors centre, a new ticketing office, cafes, shops, library and a new administration block plus the renovation of the original museum and increase in size by 60%.
Above all, the main objective of the project was to establish the Museum's new brand values – dynamic, encompassing, informative, inspiring and welcoming – and this objective has been met.
Below is the complete article by Beatrice Gachenge (Business Daily, January 13, 2009 Page 13)
The depiction of man’s ancient ancestors as argued by the staunch proponents of Darwin’s evolution theory – that overlooks the entry of Nairobi national Museums easily captures your imagination. You might imagine that the museum is a lifeless place – a place for anthropologists and school children who might want to see the Turkana boy they have read about in their history class
This comes at a time when competition for access to public spaces has gone at a notch higher especially after the near collapse of Kenya cultural centre
A party and where was the venue? At the museum.
Some of the guests had to confirm before driving into the venue. “You mean museums also’ some wondered. Apart from the drink, the Indian music and even the dance, Mr. Vuju says he will never forget the party. It was his 40th birthday, which he celebrated a month ago with his family and friends. He was one of the first people to celebrate a birthday in the country’s heritage centre, surrounded by a lively collection of artifacts.
“The last time l visited the venue I must have been in pri¬mary school. You can imagine the shock when l was told my birthday would be at the museum. I almost felt ancient. But the transformation at the Museum is re¬markable. I was very surprised”, said Mr. Vuju.
Located l0 minutes away from fast-paced Central Business District, Nairobi National Museum is slowly positioning competition for access to public spaces has gone a notch higher, especially after the near collapse of the Kenya Cultural Centre. When Sauti, a local Afro-fusion group, was launching their album last year, the museum provided the backdrop. The same was the case when Nation Media Group launched its radio station, Qfm. Fashion designer John Kaveke was also in the Hall of Kenya at the museum to display his creations.
"The ambience and creativity of the venue highly resonates with art and style. Since that is what l also depict in my designs, there was no better place to showcase the designs”, said the designer
Unique aesthetics
As you enter the museum, one of the most magnificent pieces of art in the museum is the centre-piece in the Hall of Kenya. Designed to capture the philosophy and spirit of Kenyan culture; while next to it is another glass with a map of Kenya- this time made from dried butteries.
“Clients always shock us by the way they customize the spaces to suit their needs. At times the place is transformed to sheer magically beauty”. Sharon Mwule, the museum’s marketing director at the Nairobi National Museum says. Renovated at a cost of KSh.864million, the museum’s unique aesthetics, space and free flowing air has attracted a lot of interest from event organizers.
It has quickly gained prominence as an alternative from the over used hotel scene for product launches, company parties or other ceremonies. Unlike hotels, argue some event organizers, the museum has the flair and taste to meet their needs. The artworks, the indoor and outdoor sculptures as well as the Land¬scaping have given the heritage centre a polished look.
The refreshed galleries have also been retouched, creating a new experience for any visitor some clients request a guided tour at night after their events at the museum.
Parking which has proved to be one of the main challenges for most venues is hardly a problem at the museum. The capacity can comfortably accommodate about 500 vehicles.
For Sue Muraya, it’s the creative opportunity that the museums offers: “I am abIe to creatively place my draping on the high ceiling and the fact that there are no chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, gave me room to create the look l wanted.” says Ms Muraya who is a director at Suraya properties. August and November were the best performing months earning Sh1.5 million.
Ms Mwule says in any given week the museum holds about three events. On average, the museum earns about KSh.1 million per month through hiring the facility.
