The House of Wonders in short
The House of Wonders, Beit al-Ajaib in Swahili, stands on the waterfront of Stone Town. It was built in 1883 for Sultan Barghash as a ceremonial building. Part of it collapsed on 25 December 2020, and since then the restoration has been a long project. In 2026 the work continues with support from Oman, and no reopening date is announced.
For a visit, that means the building is a landmark to see from outside. A Stone Town walking tour can show it from the waterfront, together with the Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens, and explain the history on the spot.
House of Wonders collapse and restoration
The timeline in short.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1883 | Built for Sultan Barghash as a ceremonial building |
| 25 December 2020 | Part of the building collapses |
| January 2025 | The step-by-step reinforcement of the foundations reaches about 40 percent of that work |
| 2026 | Restoration continues with support from Oman; no reopening date is announced |
The 40 percent figure refers to the foundation work, not to the completion of the whole building. The restoration of Beit al-Ajaib is part of the 2026/27 programme, together with the Peace Memorial and the People's Palace.
Our pick: a walk past the House of Wonders
The building cannot be visited inside, so a guided walk is the way to see it up close with its neighbours.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Stone Town tours that pass the House of Wonders
Walking tours and guided visits through the old town, with live prices and availability.
Visiting the House of Wonders
What to expect in 2026.
The interior is closed, and no ticket or time slot is on offer. Do not buy a ticket for a visit inside. The building can be viewed from the waterfront, where the white columns and the open verandas are visible. Scaffolding and a protective roof may cover parts of it while the work continues.
Because the work is ongoing, the sensible use of the stop is a short look and a photo from the promenade, then a walk on to the next sight. Check the situation again before your trip, as the status of the site can change.
Why the House of Wonders matters
A landmark of the World Heritage town.
A ceremonial building
It was built in 1883 for Sultan Barghash, whose reign from 1870 to 1888 also produced the Hamamni baths. It has wide verandas and a clock tower.
Part of a protected old town
Stone Town has been a World Heritage Site since 2000, and the House of Wonders is among the important historic buildings of that listing. UNESCO follows the progress of the restoration.
A separate sight from the palaces
The Palace Museum with its own clock tower and the People's Palace are different buildings. Do not mix them up when you read a map or book a tour.
What to see nearby
The waterfront has more within a short walk.
Forodhani Gardens
Shady trees, boats in the bay and the night market in the evening.
The Old Fort
Walls and towers beside the gardens.
History of Stone Town
The sultans and the trade that shaped the town.
The old Palace Museum is a separate sight from the House of Wonders. Its entry and access should be checked locally. The things to do in Stone Town page lists the other landmarks and what to expect at each.
House of Wonders: frequently asked questions
Can I go inside the House of Wonders?
No. The interior is closed while the restoration continues, and no reopening date is announced. You can see the building from the waterfront.
When did the House of Wonders collapse?
A part of the building collapsed on 25 December 2020.
When will it reopen?
There is no date. Work continues in 2026 with support from Oman, and no reopening has been announced.
Who built the House of Wonders?
It was built in 1883 for Sultan Barghash as a ceremonial building.
Is the House of Wonders the same as the Palace Museum?
No. They are separate historic buildings. The Palace Museum, Beit el-Sahel, has its own status that you should check locally.
Is the House of Wonders worth a stop?
As a short look from the promenade, yes. Take a photo, then walk on to the Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens, which are close by.