Académie des Beaux-Arts
Kinshasa
The Académie des Beaux-Arts (ABA-KIN) in Kinshasa is a premier higher education institution dedicated to fine arts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Founded in 1943 by Belgian missionary Marc Wallenda as the École Saint-Luc à Gombe Matadi, it relocated to Kinshasa in 1949 and was renamed Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1957. Initially offering sculpture training focused on local wood, the academy expanded its curriculum over decades to include painting, ceramics, metalwork, advertising, interior design, and since 2012, conservation and restoration of art. It is recognized as a public university-level institution and aims to be a center of artistic excellence in Africa. The academy has produced notable alumni such as Chéri Chérin, Gosette Lubondo, and André Lufwa, the first Congolese teacher. Today, it continues to update its academic programs and infrastructure to nurture talented visual and graphic artists in the region.
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Tip: Visitors interested in the academy's exhibitions or events should check the official website for up-to-date information and possible guided tours. Enrollment and academic program details are available online for prospective students. The best time to visit is during exhibition openings or academic events, which offer insight into contemporary Congolese art. Advance booking is recommended for campus visits or special events. Discounts or scholarships may be available for students and artists.
Interesting facts
- •The academy was originally founded by a Belgian catholic missionary in 1943.
- •It started with only a sculpture degree focusing on wood, a plentiful local resource.
- •The school expanded its programs to include ceramics, metalwork, advertising, and interior design by the 1970s.
- •Since 2012, it offers specialized studies in art conservation and restoration for graduates.
- •Notable alumni include Chéri Chérin, Gosette Lubondo, and André Lufwa, the first Congolese teacher.
History
The Académie des Beaux-Arts was established in 1943 as École Saint-Luc à Gombe Matadi by Belgian missionary Marc Wallenda.
It moved to Kinshasa in 1949 and was renamed in 1957.
In 1981, it was integrated into the national technical university system as part of education reforms.
Over time, it expanded its artistic disciplines from sculpture to painting, ceramics, metalwork, advertising, and interior design.
Since 2012, it offers conservation and restoration studies, reflecting its evolving role in art education in the Congo.
Place Guide
Sculpture Department1943
The original academic program focusing on wood sculpture, reflecting local artistic traditions and materials.
Painting and Ceramics Programs1950s
Introduced in the 1950s, these programs expanded the academy's artistic disciplines, nurturing painters and ceramic artists in the Congo.
Conservation and Restoration Studies2012
A modern program started in 2012 to train students with a bachelor's degree in visual arts in the preservation of artworks, reflecting the academy's commitment to cultural heritage.
Contact
Phone: 0999 016 166
