ZAMBIA’s oldest and largest multidisciplinary institution, the Livingstone Museum, is facing a growing disparity between surging international interest and low local engagement, a trend its director warns could have long-term consequences for the nation’s understanding of its own heritage.
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In an exclusive interview with Kalemba, Museum director Victoria Chitungu expressed concern over the minimal number of Zambian university students and citizens visiting the museum compared to the significant international footfall.
“We get disappointed that we receive so many international visitors that are very curious and want to learn more about Zambians than the Zambians themselves,” Chitungu stated.
“We have very few university students coming here. So what that means in the long run is that we will have experts about ourselves who don’t belong here. And we will pay them to learn about ourselves.”
Chitungu highlighted that the museum serves as a critical research hub, attracting global scholars who often base their PhD studies on its collections.
The lack of local student engagement, she fears, could lead to a future where expertise on Zambia’s rich history and diverse culture predominantly resides with foreign academics.
Despite these challenges, the museum is actively implementing strategies to attract more local visitors.
Entrance fees for Zambian citizens remain nominal, K10 for adults and K5 for children, essentially covering basic operational costs.
The museum also organises family-oriented events, such as “sip and paint” activities linked, aiming to create a more interactive and enjoyable learning environment.
Chitungu underscored the profound importance of historical and cultural understanding, particularly for Zambian youth.
“If you went out in the world, people or countries that have got strong histories, strong cultures, they have got confident people,” she said while emphasising that the knowledge of one’s heritage is crucial for individual identity and confidence in an increasingly globalised world.
Chitungu remains hopeful that this year, the Museum will have a surge in both international and local visitors that will elevate the museum’s recognition as a vital learning center, a source of national pride, and a crucial repository of Zambia’s extensive cultural and natural heritage.
She revealed that in the first quarter of this year the Museum had 5,000 visitors comprising 3000 locals and 2000 international.
Kalemba June 23, 2025
