Our Legacy
The Cultural Heritage Centre stands as one of Africa’s most distinguished cultural destinations
A landmark in Arusha, Tanzania, where art, heritage, craftsmanship, and discovery have come together under one roof for over three decades.
The Founder
A Vision Born of Passion
Founded in 1994 by Saifudin and Zahra Khanbhai, the Cultural Heritage Centre began as a bold idea: to create a space where African art, culture, and craftsmanship could be celebrated, preserved, and shared with the world.
Saifudin Khanbhai, born and raised in Arusha, grew up surrounded by the diverse cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions of East Africa. His deep appreciation for the region’s heritage — from Maasai beadwork and Makonde carvings to Tingatinga paintings and ancient tribal artefacts — inspired him to build a centre that would honour and elevate these art forms.
What began as a small gallery space grew steadily into a sprawling cultural complex, drawing visitors from across the globe. Saifudin’s vision was always to create more than a shop or gallery — he wanted a living, breathing tribute to Africa’s artistic soul.
“The Cultural Heritage Centre was never about commerce alone. It was about giving African art the stage it deserves — a place where visitors can feel the spirit of the continent, understand the stories behind each piece, and carry a part of Africa home with them.”
Saifudin Khanbhai
Founder, Cultural Heritage Centre
Growth of the Centre
Three Decades of Evolution
From its humble beginnings, the Cultural Heritage Centre has grown into a landmark destination along the Arusha–Dodoma Road. The centre now spans a vast complex that includes world-class art galleries, curated museums, a renowned tanzanite and gemstone gallery, a vibrant outdoor market, expansive gardens, and event spaces.
Over the years, the centre has welcomed heads of state, diplomats, celebrities, and hundreds of thousands of travellers exploring East Africa. It has become a must-visit stop on the northern Tanzania safari circuit, offering visitors a rich cultural experience before or after their wildlife adventures.
Every corner of the centre has been designed with care — from the hand-carved wooden doors to the lush tropical gardens — creating an immersive environment that reflects the beauty of the continent.
The Art Gallery
A World-Class Collection
The Art Gallery at the Cultural Heritage Centre houses one of the finest collections of African art on the continent. Spanning two expansive floors, the gallery showcases works from across Africa — from contemporary oil paintings and bronze sculptures to traditional Makonde carvings and vibrant Tingatinga art.
The gallery represents both established and emerging African artists, providing a platform for creative voices that might otherwise go unheard. Each piece is carefully selected for its artistic merit, cultural significance, and storytelling power.
Visitors often describe the gallery as a journey through the soul of Africa — a place where colour, form, and narrative come together to tell the continent’s many stories.
Museums & Cultural Preservation
Preserving Africa’s Living Heritage
The Cultural Heritage Centre is home to two remarkable museums, each dedicated to preserving and sharing important chapters of African and global heritage.
The Jane Goodall Museum
The centre is proud to host the Jane Goodall Museum, a tribute to the legendary primatologist and her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Gombe Stream, Tanzania. The museum presents Dr. Goodall’s remarkable life through photographs, artefacts, and interactive displays that chronicle her decades of research and conservation advocacy.
Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the connections between wildlife, ecosystems, and human communities — and why protecting them matters for future generations.
The Tribal Ceremonies Museum
The Tribal Ceremonies Museum offers an immersive look into the rituals, traditions, and ceremonies of Tanzania’s many ethnic groups. Through carefully curated displays of ceremonial costumes, instruments, tools, and visual storytelling, the museum brings to life the rich cultural practices of the Maasai, Hadzabe, Datoga, Chagga, and other communities.
This museum serves as a vital record of traditions that are evolving rapidly in the face of modernisation — ensuring they are documented, respected, and remembered.
Community & Impact
Rooted in Community
Beyond art and culture, the Cultural Heritage Centre has always been deeply connected to its community. The centre provides employment and economic opportunity to hundreds of local artisans, craftspeople, and staff — many of whom have been part of the Cultural Heritage family for decades.
Through partnerships with schools, cultural organisations, and conservation initiatives, the centre actively supports education and cultural preservation across the Arusha region. It has hosted countless cultural events, exhibitions, and workshops that bring together artists, scholars, and communities.
The outdoor market alone supports dozens of independent vendors, providing a platform for local artisans to reach an international audience and sustain their livelihoods through their craft.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Today, the Cultural Heritage Centre continues to grow — not just in size, but in purpose. It remains a beacon for African art and culture, a place where the past and present meet, and where every visitor becomes part of a story that stretches back generations and reaches forward into the future.
Whether you come to explore the galleries, discover a one-of-a-kind treasure, or simply to be inspired, the Cultural Heritage Centre welcomes you to experience the heart of Africa.