The Museum of Black Civilisations Travel Guide: Top Sights in

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The Museum of Black Civilisations- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Senegal; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The Museum of Black Civilisations in Dakar, Senegal, opened on 6 December 2018, as a national institution directed by archaeologist Hamady Bocoum. It was envisioned by Senegal's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, to showcase Africa's contributions to global cultural and scientific heritage, including early advancements like ironworking. The $30 million museum, noted in a 2018 report on African heritage restitution, advocates for the return of African artworks held abroad, with major collections like those at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac housing thousands of Sub-Saharan artifacts. Recognized by Time magazine in 2019, it stands as a significant cultural landmark.

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Attractions in Dakar

Reviews of The Museum of Black Civilisations

Kyle Carlisle

5
Reviewed: 2025-03-15

Very informative! I enjoyed the available exhibits. I will need to return when they complete renovations! The innovation of Africa is unmatched, of all the museums I've been to this will be my favorite!
Jake Hughes

5
Reviewed: 2025-02-19

Amazing llace to visit. My top tourist attraction in Dakar. Great and helpful staff and wonderful exhibits of Benin Bronzes and Egyptian statues as well as an amazing collection of Hominid skulls and lots of information. Mostly on French though.
Bjørn

4
Reviewed: 2025-02-15

Great museum with really nice exhibitions on the origin of man, Egyptian influence on the continent and African influence on Europe. Ticket is around €4,50
Arif Teeka

4
Reviewed: 2025-01-12

A must in your "to visit list" in Senegal 🇸🇳. Interesting place where you can have a very good knowledge of the past (and somewhat present) African civilisations, their history, their achievements, contributions, architectures, discoveries, cultures and customs, etc. Also differents findings of the skeletons of past civilisations are exposed as well as the art cratfs from different African countries. Paid entry (at entrance) of CFA 3000 for adults and CFA 500 for children (residents and non residents). Free parking available or very easily accessible by taxi. There is a staff who will give you a virtual of the museum as soon as you enter, however, you can hire a guide ONLY if you come in large groups. I dont think someone, especially tourists, will mind paying a guide in order to have a better explanation and enhance his first visit (though there are much details on the posters exposed). It is closed on Mondays and public holidays and open the rest of the week from 10am to 7pm.
runningdogyankee

4
Reviewed: 2024-08-07

This impressive modernist building houses a relatively small but very fine collection of African artifacts that clearly steps you through a timeline of African history. The layout is conducive to quiet contemplation of Africa’s vast, rich history. Worth a couple of hours to see both ancient and contemporary art and artifacts.