Galerie nationale du Bénin, Visual arts museum in Cotonou, Benin
Galerie nationale du Bénin is an art museum in Cotonou that houses both contemporary artworks and historical artifacts from the region across its exhibition spaces. The collection encompasses paintings, sculptures, video installations, and traditional objects that represent various artistic forms and periods.
The museum opened in 2020 and marked a significant moment in Benin's cultural history. Shortly after its opening, it received major royal objects back from French collections that had been taken away decades earlier.
The gallery displays contemporary works alongside traditional ceremonial objects that reflect Benin's artistic heritage. Visitors see paintings, sculptures, and video installations that together document the country's creative diversity.
The museum features rotating exhibitions throughout the year and regularly organizes workshops to help visitors engage with Beninese art. Allow sufficient time to explore all exhibition areas, as the collection is diverse and extensive.
The collection houses remarkable royal reliefs from Abomey Palace that spent over a century in foreign collections. These valued pieces are seen as symbols of Benin's cultural property returning home.
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