Impressive Art Museums in Africa
African art museums
Benin
The Zinsou Foundation Museum in Ouidah opened its doors in 2013 displaying modern African art. The collection consists of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations. The museum is housed in a renovated mansion. It was established by French-Beninese entrepreneur Marie-Cecile Zinsou, featuring artworks by both professionally educated and self-taught artists.
Egypt
The Luxor Museum give visitors a look at ancient Egyptian history. It is located in a picturesque setting beside the Nile. The museum displays jewelry, statues, and objects from Tutankhamun’s tomb. There are mummified remains of pharaohs. There is a collection of 26 New Kingdom statues.
Ethiopia
The National Museum of Ethiopia is home to the 3.2 million-year-old skeleton of “Lucy,” a crucial finding in the development of humans. Situated in Addis Ababa, the museum has exhibits of traditional jewelry, crafts, and musical instruments. There are four primary displays covering paleontology, archaeology, and modern art.
Ghana
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Accra honors the Pan-Africanist leader and serves as a museum dedicated to the first president of Ghana. Visitors can see artifacts from his life and presidency housed in an Italian marble tomb, designed like an upside down sword and representing speed. The museum includes images, records, and personal belongings that document Ghana’s path to independence, and located in the nearby park are sculptures.
Kenya
The Nairobi National Museum has a collection that consists of fossils, traditional artifacts, and contemporary artworks. These are divided up into four primary sections—culture, history, nature, and contemporary art. Among the highlights are modern art installations.
Nigeria
The Center for Memories in Enugu has the largest depository dedicated to the Igbo ethnic group of southeastern Nigeria. The art museum displays paintings, sculptures, and photos that trace the history and struggles of the ethnic group. The museum organizes exhibitions and adds new collections regularly.
Rwanda
The National Museum of Rwanda houses a collection of local and international artworks. It features a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that highlight Rwandan history, culture, and traditions. Visitors can explore various galleries that include traditional art, historical artifacts, and immersive cultural experiences.
Senegal
Léopold Sédar Senghor, the first president of Senegal, served as the inspiration for the innovative Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar, opening its doors in 2018. (pictured above) The museum has exhibitions of pre-colonial masks and monuments to modern artwork, displaying the achievements of Black civilizations throughout Africa and the diaspora. It highlights African creativity in art, technology, and culture.
Tunisia
The National Bardo Museum is one of the art museums in Africa representing every region of the country. Its collections date back 40,000 years, including the Hermaion of El Guettar—the first temple edified by man to honor the supreme force of the sky. The museum is housed in an old 19th-century Beylic palace. It has the largest collection of mosaics in the world. Among the highlights are the Gallery of Christian baptisteries, Roman sarcophagi, and large collections of Punic jewels.
South Africa
The Pretoria Art Museum was established in 1962. The museum was created to house the growing art collection in the City Hall with artwork by South African artists. It displays urban and rural art as well as traditional art. The museum also acquires sculptures and paintings from famous international artists. The collection consisted mainly of 17th-century work of the North Dutch School; the South African artworks included pieces by Henrik Pierneef, Pieter Wenning, Anton van Wouw, and Irma Stern.
The Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town is the world’s largest museum of modern African art, housed in a converted grain silo. The museum has 80 galleries exhibiting 21st-century African and diasporic art. The nine-story building has impressive architecture and a glass-floored rooftop sculpture garden. Exhibitions showcase both recognized and up-and-coming artists in a variety of media, including digital media, painting, and sculpture.
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Rasma Raisters
My passions are writing and creating poetry. I write for several sites online and have four themed blogs on Wordpress. Please follow me on Twitter.
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