5 must visit museums in the continent

kehinde omotosho

April 6, 2017 1:06 PM

Discover the history and culture of Africa through these pretty insightful museums.

Nairobi National museum

Museums offer an insight into a countrys culture, history and origin via a collection of artefacts and other objects of artistic importance and make them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary.

Africa, of course, plays host to a good number of museums that tells of the continent, the painful past, the history, the powerful art, and the fascinating discoveries. So, if you looking to know more about a country's background and all, you know where to visit.

Here's a list of a few of the museums that will give you an overview of the great continent.

1. House of Slaves – Senegal

The House of Slaves on Gorée Island, Senegal, a beautiful location with a tragic history, is a reminder of the horrors of Africans as slaves back in the era of slave trade.

House of Slaves was a market where Africans would be shipped by middle-men from mainland West Africa, and then traders could visit, and purchase slaves before leading them through what is now called the “Door of No Return,” filling small boats before returning to their main vessel stationed just off the island.

The house remains intact, with iron shackles and cells, where African men, women, and children were kept in appalling conditions. It is said that they would languish in these dingy cells for up to three months before being shipped off.

2. Museum Of Modern Art Of Algiers – Algeria

The exterior of this museum is so beautiful one could get lost in its stunning beauty before going in.

The museum plays a major role in the promoting and developing Algeria’s contemporary art. It's basically a collection of modern art by mostly Algerians telling stories of the past struggles of Algerians and the history behind country's existence.

3. Nairobi National Museum – Kenya

This museum offers good insight into the cultural and natural history of Kenya.

The museum exhibits artefacts such as weapons and tools, furniture, ornaments, and some ritual objects, among others ethnographic piece that represent Kenya and other east Africa countries.

4. Benin City National Museum – Nigeria

Benin City National Museum, Nigeria is located in the city centre on King's Square. The museum has a significant number of artefacts related to the Benin Empire such as terracotta, bronze figures and cast iron pieces.

The museum preserves the history of this great ancient kingdom and its people, who were known for their innate expertise in bronze sculpture.

5. Apartheid Museum – South Africa

The museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid and offers an overview of the history of the country.

Apartheid was a system of racial segregation enforced by the white-minority government in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. The system ended with a negotiated transition to a non-racial democracy.

A trip to any of these museums will definitely give you a better insight into Africa as a continent.

kehinde omotosho