National Museum of Costume Travel Guide: Top Sights in Côte d'ivoire,

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National Museum of Costume- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Côte d'Ivoire; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The National Museum of Costume in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, is housed in a historic colonial-era governor’s palace built in 1892. It displays traditional clothing from various Ivorian ethnic groups, including ceremonial attire of kings and chiefs, alongside photographs documenting the colonial period. Knowledgeable guides provide context, enhancing the experience. The museum also preserves original living quarters of the colonial governor, complete with a hidden escape route. A small adjacent shop offers locally crafted souvenirs. The building was repurposed as a museum in 1981 under President Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Operators offering tours in Côte d'Ivoire

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Attractions in Grand-Bassam

Pont de La Victoire

Sacred Heart Cathedral

4.8

Hotel France (1900)

Maison Édouard Aka

Lighthouse Grand Bassam

3.2

Ganamet House

3.8

Reviews of National Museum of Costume

Toni Thompson

5
Reviewed: 2025-02-27

What a unique approach to showing and sharing history with garments worn by royals. The garments were excellent with the faces of the royals leaning to the more abstract side. The museum showed photographs of the history of the Ivory Coast. The museum guide gave an excellent presentation about the details of the exhibits all in French translated by our guide. Experience Grand Bassam here!
Jasmin K.

4
Reviewed: 2024-12-14

Was really informative but needs more funding. All we can do is visit and donate money to support this important cause and never forgetting colonialism and different tribal cultures. There was a nice artisanal market right outside and a little restaurant where you can get some drinks and foods.
Fernando K

3
Reviewed: 2023-12-07

It deserves a good renovation, more information about the exhibit and about the history of the building.
Rebecca Messan

5
Reviewed: 2023-12-03

Very informative museum in grand Bassam, I pay 1000 cfa for entrance. Full video on my YouTube channel it’s called showcase of Liberia
Alissa S

5
Reviewed: 2023-08-18

Enlightening experience! The museum is a piece of history left immortalised. Walking through the halls, you can feel the past with its windows, doors, and tiles left unchanged since the 1800s. The costumes are very interesting to learn about. I definitely recommend hiring a guide as they explain every detail of the various tribes with enthusiasm and charisma. It's definitely a learning experience and allows visitors to have a deeper understanding of Ivory Coast and its inhabitants.