Built in 1883 on the site of Zanzibar Queen Fatuma's
residence. This was the first building in Zanzibar to
have electric lights and the first in East Africa to
have an elevator. It was damaged in 1896 during the
Shortest War in History (only lasting 40 minutes). It
was later used by the British as their local offices
until the revolution in 1964. It contains some of
Pres. Karume's old cars, but not much has been done
with it since 1977. Recent attempts have been made to
have it renovated, and a craft market is housed on the
veranda during the day.
