Stone Town’s House of Wonders houses the Beit El-Ajaib National Museum. Learn about the history of this structure on a walking tour.
The house was built in 1883, designed by a Scottish marine engineer. Look up at the tall clock tower and the many thin cast iron pillars connected by delicate balustrades along balconies surrounding the structure at several levels. The architecture is described as tropical Victorian industrial style, with open verandas allowing breezes from any direction to cool the interior.
The building was part of a plan by Omani Sultan Sheikh Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid, who brought infrastructure to Stone Town, including roads, parks, hospitals and piped water. Note that this building had the area’s first electricity and running water.
During its grandest days, the home had exquisite marble floors, cedar-paneled walls and elegant furniture. In 1896, during the 38 minutes of the Anglo-Zanzibar War, possibly history’s shortest war, the Zanzibar Palace was destroyed and the House of Wonders suffered damage. See the cannons surrounding the house they were of little use against heavy British bombardment.
After the war and some reconstruction, the House of Wonders became the seat of the government before being converted to a museum in the 20th century. Inside, the furnishings include elegant chandeliers and carpets, beds with canopies and mosquito netting and carved and richly upholstered chairs. In addition, in the courtyard is a dhow, with information describing the important boat-building culture of Zanzibar. A carved door has gilded text from the Quran. Check at the gate to see if the museum is open for visits as it may be closed for renovation.
The House of Wonders is a short walk southwest of Zanzibar Port. Its balconies give views of the dhows in the ocean and overlook Forodhoni Gardens, a revitalized green space along the seawall. Come to the gardens to join local residents buying or eating seafood and other delights at the open-air sunset food market. Visit the nearby Old Fort for tourist information or possibly a film viewing.
