Nairobi National Museum
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The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has partnered with CityBlue Hotels to introduce an innovative after-hours experience called the Museum Night Tours.
This new offering allows visitors to explore NMK's cultural treasures in an intimate and immersive setting. Edwin Abonyo, Chair of NMK's Board of Directors, hails the initiative as a significant addition to Kenya's heritage tourism landscape while NMK Director General Prof. Mary Gikungu praises the collaboration as a transformative step in engaging with the private sector. The Museum Night Tours offer an exclusive opportunity for visitors to explore NMK's galleries without interruption. These include the Hall of Kenya, the Great Hall of Mammals, Human Origins, Birds of East Africa, and Contemporary Art Galleries, among others.
Visitors will also have the chance to experience the Cradle of Humankind gallery in a more personal setting. To enhance the experience, refreshments and live entertainment featuring traditional cultural dancers will be provided, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Nairobi's nightlife. Available for groups of ten or more through bookings, the tours aim to provide a personalized experience. In addition to this new offering, NMK continues to provide various services, including venue rentals for events such as concerts, conferences, corporate product launches, weddings, photo sessions, and staff parties.
CityBlue Hotels Founder and CEO Jameel Verjee emphasizes NMK's crucial role in preserving Kenya's living cultural and natural heritage. He expresses pride in supporting NMK's mission to conserve and develop the nation's rich cultural heritage, noting the organization's management of numerous regional museums, monuments, and sites of national and international importance. The launch event, held at NMK's headquarters in Nairobi, featured a guided tour of the museum's galleries and performances by traditional cultural dancers. Attended by various dignitaries, stakeholders, and members of the public, the event showcased Kenya's rich cultural and natural heritage.
The Museum Night Tours are expected to attract both local and international tourists, offering a unique way to experience Kenya's heritage. This initiative aligns with NMK's mission to conserve and promote the country's cultural heritage and biodiversity. The collaboration between NMK and CityBlue Hotels represents a significant step in promoting cultural tourism in Kenya and reflects a growing trend of public-private partnerships aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and expanding the reach of cultural institutions. This partnership is anticipated to generate additional revenue for NMK, which will be reinvested in the preservation and conservation of Kenya's heritage sites.
Beyond the night tours, NMK and CityBlue Hotels plan to collaborate on various other initiatives including joint exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural exchange projects. These endeavours will provide visitors with new and exciting ways to engage with Kenya's heritage. The Museum Night Tours also aim to reshape perceptions of museums as solely educational institutions by offering a dynamic and engaging experience.