The best museums Togo

Not far from the Campement Hotel, this museum is particularly rich in objects from the Moba-Gurma culture, such as pottery, musical instruments and jewelry sets. The curator offers a guided tour, which may include a visit to the blacksmiths of Dapaong. For a complete cultural overview of the region, the museum's archaeologist puts on his accompanying clothes to show travellers the sites of Namoundjoga and the Nok caves.

Discovered in 1990 by missionaries, these strange paintings seem to come from the depths of time. They were probably painted by nomads on a huge megalith in the shape of a mushroom. These drawings, which were studied by several teams of scientists, still keep their secret. One distinguishes there however rather distinctly horsemen, animals and geometrical forms. Under the rock, one finds some scraps of objects in flint and shards.

An interesting little museum with a section devoted to the chieftaincies and traditions of Togo through its peoples, culture, religion and art. On display are traditional suitcases; costumes worn for dances such as Djouka or Adossa; tam-tams carved from shea tree trunks for urgent meetings or important events; flutes decorated with earrings and necklaces for admirers; cooking utensils; mats and bamboo raffia baskets..

Located in the background of the Palais des Congrès, this museum features a small collection of ethnographic and historical items reflecting Togolese culture as a whole. A few tools, statues and jewelry are displayed in the first room, while the second room below traces the history of the colonies, the battle for its borders and the country's independence. The museum was created in 1950 from documents and exhibits from the Kponton Museum, and inaugurated much later, in the 1970s. In need of renovation. Fascinating guide.

The former International Museum of the Gulf of Guinea was taken over by collector Ching Heng Cheng, who supplemented the collection with other African works. It houses several masterpieces of African art in three exhibition halls: royal thrones, statuettes and masks from the Ivory Coast, Congo, Gabon, Benin, Nigeria, including a 2,000-year-old Nok statue, and rare pieces of Ashanti jewelry from Ghana. Professional guides.

Archaeological excavations have uncovered pavements dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. These were protected in the enclosure of a small building. The four pavements, with an inlaid cup in the middle, are made up of shards of pottery broken up into different shapes, each of which appears to form a circular structure. This would be a place of worship for the ancient inhabitants of Notsé. Remains of bones were found under the central cup, which reinforces the idea of the ritual character of the place.

Paul Ahyi (1930-2010) is a pioneering visual artist in Togo. He is the creator of the Togolese flag and of the country's Independence monument. He is known for his monumental works, many of which can be seen on the streets of the capital. Today, a museum pays tribute to him in the house that he himself had imagined. The portal sets the tone with its two imposing faces of a couple. Inside, a permanent exhibition takes us into the world of Paul Ahyi. This place is also a center of artistic awakening for the youngest.

Installed in an old colonial building, this small museum of ethnography is worth a visit to learn more about the history of Togo. Inside, several objects related to the traditional chieftaincies, the voodoo cult and the German colonial period are exhibited. One can discover old photos, copies of signed treaties, musical instruments and various royal attributes. Barthélemy, curator of the museum since 2015, will be happy to give you the necessary explanations to understand this museum.

Managed by an association dedicated to promoting African culture, the museum exhibits a fine collection of African masks and sculptures, forming a whole range of objects from this local heritage. The association also aims to promote sustainable tourism. It provides experienced guides, books accommodation and offers vehicle rentals with or without drivers. It also organizes conferences, symposia and round-table discussions, and sets up listening and counseling centers for young people.