Historical Museum of Abomey, Historical museum in Abomey, Benin.

The Historical Museum of Abomey fills the palaces of kings Guézo and Glèlè, a 10-hectare site within the 44-hectare royal palace grounds. Its walls carry low-reliefs made at the end of the 18th century, showing human and animal figures. A second department, opened in 2004 near the Houndjro market, is devoted to King Béhanzin.

The museum was founded in 1943 and preserves the legacy of twelve kings who ruled from the 17th century through the early 1900s. This era saw the rise and transformation of a powerful West African state.

The museum keeps objects tied to the Fon court: royal thrones, metal altars and insignia of the kings of Dahomey. The bas-reliefs on the palace walls, made in the late 18th century, show human figures and animals. The Béhanzin section, opened in 2004 near the Houndjro market, is run as an interpretation centre on the king's life and his international reach.

The museum covers 10 hectares and has two departments: the older one in the Guézo and Glèlè palaces, open since 1944, and the Béhanzin centre south of it, near the Houndjro market, opened in 2004. The Béhanzin section works as an interpretation centre rather than a classic museum, so allow time for both parts.

The walls feature approximately 50 restored bas-reliefs that depict historical events and military victories through traditional artistic techniques. These carved panels tell a visual story as you walk through the grounds.