Here’s a detailed overview of the Benin National Museum
📍 Location:
Porto-Novo, the official capital of Benin
(inside the Old Royal Palace of King Toffa)
🧭 Overview
The Benin National Museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country. It offers a deep look into the history, traditions, and royal heritage of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin), as well as the broader West African region.
🎨 What You’ll See
🗿 Permanent Exhibits:
- Royal artifacts from the Kingdom of Porto-Novo and Abomey
- Traditional musical instruments (like drums and xylophones)
- Voodoo ceremonial items and statues
- Ancient pottery, bronze works, and jewelry
- Masks and costumes used in traditional festivals
- Historical photos and colonial-era archives
👑 Highlight:
The throne room of King Toffa, preserved inside the museum, is a must-see.
⏱️ Opening Hours (as of 2025):
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
🎫 Entry Fee: Around 1,000–2,000 XOF (~$2–$4 USD)
👣 Tips for Visitors:
- Guided tours are available in French; English-speaking guides may be limited.
- Combine your visit with a tour of Porto-Novo’s colonial architecture, mosques, and voodoo temples.
- Photography may be restricted in some galleries.
📍 Nearby Attractions:
- Ethnographic Museum of Porto-Novo
- Jardin Place Jean Bayol
- Grande Mosquée de Porto-Novo
- Centre Songhai – ecological/agricultural innovation hub
