Togo National Museum

The Togo National Museum occupies several floors of the Congress Palace building near Independence Square in central Lomé. The halls contain thousands of artifacts including everyday objects, handcrafted items, and religious objects that come from different regions across the country.

The museum was founded in 1975 and documents the development of Togolese society through different historical periods. Its collection shows how the region changed from early kingdoms through to modern times.

The displays showcase traditional musical instruments, ceremonial masks, and handwoven textiles that reflect how Togolese communities have expressed themselves for generations. These objects reveal the daily practices and values that have shaped life across the country.

The museum is open from Monday through Saturday and offers guided tours in French and English that provide helpful context for the collections. Setting aside enough time to explore the multiple floors and understand the objects on display is recommended.

The collection includes an impressive selection of decorated calabashes that Togolese communities used for centuries to store food and water. These carefully crafted vessels show how everyday items served both practical and artistic purposes.