While construction began in the 1980s, the Lusaka National Museum officially opened to the public in October 1996. While the museum was originally intended to focus on the history of Zambian independence, its focus changed to cultural history by the time it opened.
The museum collection is preserved in storage rooms, while other heritage objects are displayed in two galleries on the ground and upper floors of the museum of African Modern Art building.
The lower gallery is home to contemporary art, highlighting the way of life of the Zambian people through paintings, sculptures and models. The upper gallery tells a glowing story of Zambia’s development, from ancient through historic past to contemporary way of life. The children’s corner is yet another display attraction on the upper floor.
At independence, despite its considerable mineral wealth, Zambia faced major challenges. Domestically, there were few trained and educated Zambians capable of running the government,and the economy was largely dependent on foreign expertise. Most of Zambia’s neighbouring countries were still colonies or under white minority rule.
