Africa, rich in history and culture is starting to see an increased number of tourists visiting the continent. Many come to visit not only for vacation but to experience the dynamic and diverse art scene. it’s no wonder why Africa is now home to several world-class museums and galleries, with expansive collections and bold structures. If you are looking to expand your mind and appreciate Africa through the beauty of art, Here are four great museums to visit:
GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM - CAIRO
Nestled just two kilometers behind the pyramids of Giza in the Greater Cairo Area, you’ll find the Grand Egyptian Museum(GEM) also known as the Giza Museum. Although GEM’s grand opening is slated for November 2022, it’s one of the biggest things on every art lover's lips.
The GEM will house the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the world, with 12 exhibition halls displaying 100,000 artifacts, including 5000 artifacts belonging to King Tutankhamun that will be displayed for the first time. Another standout is the colossal statue of Ramses the Great, just unearthed a few years ago and never before shown to the public.
The GEM’s opening is one of its kind and if you find yourself in Egypt towards the end of the year a visit to the GEM should be included in the itinerary.
ZEITZ MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART - CAPE TOWN
Housed in 9,500 sq meters of custom-designed space and carved out of the monumental structure of the historic Grain Silo Complex. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), one of the world's largest museums dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora is truly remarkable.
The building includes 6,000 sq metres of exhibition space in 80 gallery spaces, a rooftop sculpture garden, state-of-the-art storage and conservation areas, a bookshop, a restaurant, bar, and reading rooms. Set on the edge of a natural, historic working harbor, with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, and sweeping views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks, the Zeitz MOCAA is a must-see sight.
YEMISI SHYLLON MUSEUM OF ART - LAGOS
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), located at the of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, is the first purpose-built, privately-owned art museum in Nigeria. The Museum building, a striking cube-shaped structure with a rust orange colour exterior is unmissable. Its interior space is fluid and dynamic allowing visitors different views at every point.
Inaugurated in 2019, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art is dedicated to the African arts. The museum contains works of art from different West African artists such as El Anatsui, Uche Okeke, and Bruce Onobrakpeya. It also houses a collection of historical sculptures and artwork dating from the pre-colonial period to the present.
THE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY ART AL MADDEN - MARRAKESH
The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) in Marrakech is an independent, not-for-profit contemporary art museum. One of the first of its kind on the continent, MACAAL is dedicated to the promotion of African art through its diverse exhibition. The museum nurtures an understanding of contemporary art from Africa through collecting and exhibiting established and emerging artists, highlighting the creative energy and cultural diversity found across the continent.
MACAAL showcases art from Morocco and its neighbouring countries. It houses a permanent collection and exhibits focus on art which engages in a dialogue with the continent, including African and international artists.
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