IFAN Museum of African Arts, Art museum in Plateau district, Dakar, Senegal
The IFAN Museum of African Arts is an art museum in Dakar housing collections focused on African works and cultural heritage. The building contains two floors displaying rotating exhibitions featuring art forms from across the region.
The building was completed in 1931 and originally housed the administration of French West Africa. Seven years later it was transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving African artistic heritage.
The collection reflects artistic traditions that remain central to West African ceremonies and daily life today. Visitors encounter masks, statues, and instruments displayed not merely as historical objects but as expressions of living cultural practice.
The museum is located in the Plateau district and accessible on foot, though parking nearby is limited. Visitors should arrive early, particularly on weekends, when more people visit and exhibition spaces become crowded.
The upper floor features contemporary African art through partnerships between regional and international institutions. These rotating exhibitions reveal how African artistic expression continues to evolve and engages with contemporary concerns.
Location: Dakar
Inception: 1938
Official opening: 1938
Address: Place Soweto, Plateau
Website: http://ifan.ucad.sn
GPS coordinates: 14.66331,-17.43807
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
Dakar brings together various sites between historical heritage and the Atlantic Ocean. The Senegalese capital features several monuments such as the African Memorial Cathedral of 1929 and the African Renaissance Monument, 52 meters tall. The Théodore Monod Museum of African Art displays 9,000 artifacts from West African cultures, while Gorée Island hosts the Slave House documenting the Atlantic slave trade. Traditional markets like Kermel and Tilène offer fish, spices, and crafts in buildings dating from the early 20th century. The coast offers several points of interest along the 13-kilometer-long Corniche. Pointe des Almadies marks the western tip of the African continent with its rock formations facing the Atlantic and seafood restaurants. Hann Park spans 60 hectares with West African flora and fauna. Between colonial architecture, natural spaces, and cultural institutions, the city presents various locations to explore the history and culture of Senegal.
Massalikoul Djinane Mosque
4.4 km
Museum of Black Civilizations
1.6 km
Cinéma Sandaga
747 m
Dakar Grand Mosque
1.7 km
Marché Tilène
2.4 km
Dakar station
1.5 km
Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, Dakar
222 m
Mosquée de la Divinité
8.1 km
Stade Demba Diop
5.7 km
Place du Souvenir africain
5.1 km
Porte du Troisième millénaire
1.7 km
Monument Demba et Dupont
1.4 km
Institut français Sénégal
592 m
Grand Théâtre National de Dakar
1.8 km
Henriette-Bathily Women's Museum
5.1 km
Village Artisanal de Soumbédioune
2.6 km
Îles des Madeleines National Park
3.7 km
Centre culturel Blaise Senghor
4.2 km
Primature
505 m
Place de indépendance
930 m
Théâtre National Daniel Sorano
368 m
Palais du Président de la Republique du Senegal
590 m
Musée Léopold Sédar Senghor
5.1 km
Musée des Forces Armées Sénégalaises
608 m
Grande mosquée Cheikh Oumar al Foutiyou Tall
1.7 km
Place du Tirailleur Sénégalais
1.4 km
Mosquée El Hadji Oumar Kane
1.7 km
Route de la Corniche Ouest
2.7 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