National Museum of Burkina Faso
Centre
The National Museum of Burkina Faso, located in Ouagadougou, is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to preserving the country's ethnographic and artistic heritage. Housed on a vast 29.94-hectare site in the east of the city, the museum features traditional Sudanese Sahelian architecture with dome-shaped roofs. It includes two exhibition halls, a vestibule hall, an administrative building, a large collection reserve, and an open-air theater. The museum's collections encompass a wide array of cultural artifacts, including musical instruments from all families such as aerophones, membranophones, idiophones, and chordophones, some dating back from 5 to 200 years. The National Museum also hosts rotating exhibitions that explore various aspects of Burkina Faso's history and culture, highlighting traditional masks, African iron age artifacts, and female clothing art. The institution plays an essential role in promoting and safeguarding Burkina Faso's cultural identity and artistic expressions, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in African history and ethnography.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum's official website or contact them by phone for current exhibition schedules and special events. The best time to visit is during weekdays when the museum is less crowded. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for group visits or special exhibitions. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and large groups. The museum is accessible and centrally located in Ouagadougou, facilitating easy travel arrangements.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's building features dome-shaped roofs typical of Sudanese Sahelian architecture.
- •Its collection includes unique musical instruments ranging from 5 to 200 years old.
- •The museum is officially named the Georges Ouédraogo Museum of Music.
- •It houses instruments from all major musical families: aerophones, membranophones, idiophones, and chordophones.
- •The museum occupies a large 29.94-hectare site in Ouagadougou, including an open-air theater.
History
The building housing the National Museum was formerly used by the Association for the Development of African Architecture and Urban Planning and was renovated to serve as the museum.
The initial collection was assembled between 1998 and 1999 and has been continually expanded since.
The museum's architecture reflects the Sudanese Sahelian style traditional to the region.
Over time, the museum has become a key institution for the preservation and promotion of Burkina Faso's musical and ethnographic heritage under the leadership of curator Parfait Z.
Bambara.
Place Guide
Exhibition Halls
The museum features two main exhibition halls showcasing ethnographic artifacts and traditional musical instruments from Burkina Faso and the surrounding region. These halls provide visitors with insights into the cultural diversity and artistic heritage of the country.
Open-Air Theater
Located on the museum grounds, the open-air theater hosts cultural performances and events that celebrate Burkina Faso's artistic traditions, providing an immersive cultural experience.
Collection Reserve
A large storage area within the museum that houses the extensive collections not currently on display, including rare and delicate artifacts preserved for research and future exhibitions.
Contact
Phone: 25 40 86 08
