Ouidah Museum of History, History museum in Ouidah, Benin
The Ouidah Museum of History occupies a former Portuguese fort from the 18th century and displays artifacts, photographs, and documents about the region's past. The collections cover the Kingdom of Dahomey, the Atlantic slave trade, and other major chapters of local history.
The Portuguese built the fort in 1721 as a trading post on the coast. Following the decline of the slave trade, the structure was converted into a museum in 1967 to document this history.
The exhibitions explore the Kingdom of Dahomey's power and how Vodun spiritual traditions shaped the region's identity. Visitors can observe how these beliefs remain woven into the community's sense of self.
The museum sits along Route des Esclaves and opens Monday through Saturday; allow several hours for a thorough visit. Guided tours are available to help visitors understand the exhibits in greater depth.
The museum documents the repatriation of Africans who returned to Benin after the slave trade declined. These stories of return and rebuilding form some of the most moving content in the collections.
Location: Ouidah
Inception: September 6, 1967
Official opening: September 6, 1967
Address: Rte des Esclaves
Website: http://museeouidah.org
GPS coordinates: 6.35909,2.09006
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
Benin brings together centuries of history with landscapes that shift from the Atlantic coast to protected wilderness areas inland. The country holds places where royal dynasties left their mark, like the Royal Palaces of Abomey with walls decorated by Fon artisans, and coastal towns such as Ouidah where Portuguese forts now house museums telling the story of the region's complex past. In the north, Pendjari and W National Parks shelter elephants, lions, and leopards across savannas that stretch into neighboring countries, while along the coast, beaches like Coco Beach and Fidjrosse offer access to the Gulf of Guinea. Daily life unfolds in spaces that reveal how people have adapted to their surroundings. Ganvié sits above Lake Nokoué, a settlement where wooden houses stand on stilts and canoes serve as the main way to move from place to place. In Cotonou, Dantokpa Market spreads out near the Ouémé River, filled with vendors selling everything from cloth to herbs. Churches built during the colonial era, including the red and white striped cathedral in Cotonou, punctuate the cities. Whether you're drawn to wildlife, the layers of human history, or the rhythm of markets and waterfront communities, Benin provides a window into West Africa that mixes old traditions with everyday moments still taking shape.
Door of No Return
3.9 km
São João Baptista d’Ajudá
23 m
Temple des Pythons
564 m
Forêt sacrée de Kpassè
897 m
Place du Souvenir
34.8 km
Fondation Claudine Talon
33.6 km
Basilique de l'Immaculée Conception
614 m
Villa Karo
30.6 km
Museum of contemporary art in Ouidah
585 m
Villa Ajavon
605 m
Fidjrossè Beach
29.5 km
Poste de péage et de pesage d’Ahozon
6 km
Memorial Zomachi
2 km
Route des peches
30.4 km
Herbier national du Bénin
28.8 km
Sacred Forest
970 m
Statue Dadjè soka
22.5 km
Mémorial du Grand Jubilé de l'an 2000
4 km
Synchronisation musique et sport
32 km
Jet d’eau d’Akossombo
33.2 km
Calvaire de Fidjrossè
31.1 km
Vieux pont de Grand-Popo
28.4 km
Triangle réconciliation
35.1 km
UAC Start-Up Valley
31.5 km
Pharmacie Hêvié
20.2 km
Cimetière militaire français de Ouidah
638 m
Fidjrosse Beach ️
26.8 km
Route de la pêche
31.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes