Museums are places of inspiration, reverence and community, displaying the enduring legacies of the past and celebrating the relentless advancements of the present.
In this journal, we explore some new museums around the world that are a treat to visit.
The Bët-bi Museum, Kaolack Senegal
The Bët-bi museum is an exquisite retelling of history commissioned by the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation and Le Korsa. The very architecture of the building, which was designed to form part of the landscape, was erected on a site inspired by the Saloum Kingdom; a place renown for monumental architecture as well as mystical indigenous beliefs which are represented by several elements such as the recurring triangles and the sacrile gallery.
Bët-bi, meaning "the eye" in Wolof - gives reference to the rich artistic traditions of the region. It houses a variety of art works, including traditional and contemporary African art that were previously held in Western collections, Diasporan African art such as African American luminaries from the Harlem Renaissance era, and a variety of art from other cultures. The museum celebrates the beauty of visual art with sculptures, masks and other household objects.
John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Lagos Nigeria
Art aficionados that are interested in the culture, history and heritage of the Yorubas will find the John Randle Centre to be a monumental resource. Commissioned by the Lagos State government as a rehabilitation project of a formerly existing structure, the newly constructed one thousand-square-metre monument includes a world-class exhibition of Yoruba art, a state of the art pool, performance hall, public square, library and restaurants, all honouring the original centre and uplifting the Yoruba culture.
The John K. Randle Centre is a museum reimagined, deploying Western Museum practices to celebrate the material and immaterial aspects of Yoruba culture, and presenting new modes of storytelling inspired by its ancient traditions. Curators at the John K. Randle Centre prioritise engaging artists, authors, craftspeople, historians, and storytellers to bring the rich culture of Yoruba pioneers and legacies to fore.
Perth Museum, Scotland UK
The newly unveiled Perth Museum offers an unforgettable journey through Scotland's rich heritage, presented with elegance and the utmost attention to detail. The museum hosts rare artifacts from the region's rich archaeological heritage, exquisite works of Scottish art and craftsmanship, interactive installations that bring history to life through cutting-edge technology and temporary exhibitions showcasing international cultural heritage.
However, the museum’s finest treasure is the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy, used in coronation ceremonies for centuries. It sits majestically in a dedicated gallery space crafted with exceptional attention to detail, creating an atmosphere of reverence that honors both the artifact's historical significance and its continuing role in modern ceremonial life
The Saka Museum, Bai Indonesia
Nestled in the cultural heart of Bali, The Saka Museum is a creative nod to the Island’s traditional calendar system, a testament to Indonesia's rich heritage and its sophisticated approach to preserving history. The museum honors this connection to time by presenting exhibits that flow chronologically through Bali's rich cultural history, from ancient kingdoms to contemporary expressions of island artistry.
The museum houses an impressive collection that spans centuries of Balinese cultural evolution, showcasing ancient artifacts from the island's earliest settlements, traditional textiles created using intricate weaving techniques, sacred religious objects, contemporary art and interactive displays.
The immersive museum experience is really brought together by traditional dance performances, craft demonstrations by local artisans and workshops on traditional arts.
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