IFAN Museum of African Arts Travel Guide: Top Sights in Senegal,

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IFAN Museum of African Arts- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Senegal; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The IFAN Historical Museum in Dakar, established in 1936, is one of West Africa's oldest museums, dedicated to preserving Senegal's cultural and historical legacy. Its collections feature ethnographic artifacts, including masks, textiles, musical instruments, and ritual objects from Senegal's diverse ethnic groups, alongside archaeological and colonial-era exhibits. The museum also houses works by prominent Senegalese artists, bridging traditional and modern expressions. Located near Place de l'Indépendance, it serves as a key institution for understanding the region's heritage through well-documented displays and rotating exhibitions.

Operators offering tours in Senegal

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Attractions in Dakar

Reviews of IFAN Historical Museum

C Neon

4
Reviewed: 2025-03-29

A beautiful circular fort built to protect the island and its slave trade. A strategic location for the western tip of Africa. It has interesting displays and a great panoramic view of the area. Definitely worth a visit.
David Read

4
Reviewed: 2025-03-10

A very good history of Africa, Senegal. Audio tour in various languages.
Bjørn

3
Reviewed: 2025-02-16

The Museum and its exhibitions aren't isn't nearly as nice as Maisons Des Esclaves, yet costing twice as much to enter. Regardless - worth a visit, and you can also climb the fortress walls for good views and photo ops of the island.
Musicians Mum

3
Reviewed: 2024-03-01

Closed on Mondays!!Our tour visited the island on a Monday ! (Hence the 3 stars only) I would have really liked to have seen inside, but the guard sitting in the entrance joked that no, he would not make an exception for me, even if I said "please" nicely! I had to make do with reading all the information of the boards outside (camera malfunction so no pictures of the info boards)and wander around the outside....Canons!!!!!
David Bangura

4
Reviewed: 2023-01-13

This museum exhibits the history of Goree Island and Senegal. If you do not understand French, you may have difficulty viewing. The exhibits are displayed in the order of history, starting with Room 1. Go upstairs and you'll see cannons facing the sea.