By Dickson Bandera
In a bold stride towards creating vibrant centres of excellence and thriving hubs of culture and heritage in Zimbabwe, the Institute of African Knowledge has officially unveiled the Harare Sunset Skydeck Gazebo at the Museum of African Liberation.
Under the visionary leadership of Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of African Knowledge, and with the invaluable counsel of esteemed historian Professor Simbi Mubako and other brilliant minds, an ordinary open space at Liberation City has been reimagined into a venue of strategic significance.
Perched on top of the Museum of African Liberation hill, the new Skydeck Gazebo offers guests a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the setting sun, with sweeping vistas stretching across Warren Park, Westlea, Kuwadzana, Dzivarasekwa, and reaching as far as Norton.
Blending nature with heritage, the venue provides a serene environment for events, reflection, and learning. Visitors can also explore the Heritage Village and the main Museum, which houses a rich collection of historical artefacts of continental significance.
With a cash bar and panoramic views, the Skydeck Gazebo is ideal for sundowners, weddings, intimate concerts, and corporate gatherings — all just a few kilometres from Harare’s Central Business District.
This concept showcases how Zimbabwe can add value to its spaces sustainably — the area provides natural ventilation, eliminating the need for power hungry cooling systems, a point emphasised by Ambassador Muzawazi.
“We are at the cutting edge of promoting nature tourism and bush conferencing. Here, we did it in a completely natural environment — no air conditioning — we saved electricity and still had the greatest of fun,” he said.
The launch event, held on 23 July 2025, attracted over 60 senior journalists from both state and independent media houses, alongside freelancers, who mingled and networked over a lively cocktail.
With this addition, the Museum of African Liberation continues to evolve as a place of impact — preserving Africa’s liberation heritage while offering modern, sustainable facilities for contemporary engagement.
