KalahariLog

The National Museum in Botswana is exactly 40 years old, as it was established immediately after Botswana's independence. It is undoubtedly the largest one in the country but lacks the charm of the tiny Phutodikobo Museum in Mochudi. It's described in several guidebooks as a "little dusty place" and while there are indeed, some dusty stuffed lions and other animals in it (a little bit like the "Wildlife Museum" in Tucson), the National Museum has art exhibits from time to time.

The Thapong Art Center across from our house is affiliated with the the National Museum and Art Gallery and they often have special exhibitions. The latest one showcased work of the Zimbabwean sculptors and Batswana painters. Shona stone and woodwork is often spectacular and some of the local painters are very good too. We had bought a couple of paintings from Gigi, who won first place in the yearly competition. One of the other artists, Tebogo, is an art teacher in the junior high school across the University. He also had a painting in the exhibition. We were there for opening night. We arrived at the tail end of the speeches and when they announced that the "refreshments" were outside the gallery quickly cleared out. We had the whole place to ourselves.