Musée national des Arts d'Afrique et d'Océanie, French colonial museum in 12th arrondissement, Paris, France
The Palais de la Porte Dorée is an art museum in Paris's 12th arrondissement focused on works from Africa and the Pacific. The building displays Art Deco architecture with decorative wall reliefs showing ships, oceans, and animals crafted by sculptor Alfred Janniot.
The building was constructed in 1931 for the Paris Colonial Exposition and reflected the views of that era. Later, the collection was merged with other institutions and the site's focus shifted substantially.
The building takes its name from its gilded entrance gate and embodies the aesthetic vision of the 1930s. Today it serves as a place where visitors encounter perspectives on France's colonial past and its lasting effects.
The museum is located on Avenue Daumesnil and features multiple levels with exhibition spaces. Visitors can explore the building progressively and should allow time to visit all areas.
The building's basement contains a tropical aquarium housing hundreds of fish and water animal species. This underground collection was a distinctive feature of the original museum experience.
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