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Royal Museum for Central Africa: A Window into the Heart of Africa

Explore the heart of Africa at the AfricaMuseum in Tervuren, Belgium. Discover history, culture, and natural wonders.

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The Royal Museum for Central Africa, also known as the AfricaMuseum, in Tervuren, Belgium, showcases the history, culture, and natural wealth of Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, a former Belgian colony. Originally built to display King Leopold II's Congo Free State in 1897, the museum has evolved into a research and cultural center, offering insights into the continent's past and present.

A brief summary to Royal Museum for Central Africa

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Combine your museum visit with a walk in the adjacent Park van Tervuren.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and events.
  • Take the Tram 44 from Brussels for a scenic journey to the museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Brussels city center, take Metro Line 1 to Montgomery station. From Montgomery, take Tram 44 directly to Tervuren Station. The museum is a short walk from the Tervuren Station tram stop. A single tram ticket costs €3.

  • Driving

    From the Brussels Ring Road (R0), take the exit for 'Tervuren-Quatre Bras' (N227). Follow the Avenue de Tervuren (N3) and turn left at the second roundabout onto Leuvensesteenweg. The museum will be on your right. Free parking is available at the museum. Note that parking is at your own risk.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-sharing service from Brussels city center to the Royal Museum for Central Africa takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The estimated cost is €40-€50.

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Discover more about Royal Museum for Central Africa

The Royal Museum for Central Africa (AfricaMuseum) in Tervuren, just outside Brussels, offers a multifaceted exploration of Central Africa's history, culture, and natural environment. Originally conceived as a showcase for King Leopold II's Congo Free State during the 1897 Brussels International Exposition, the museum has undergone significant transformations to present a more contemporary and decolonized vision of Africa. The museum's origins are rooted in Leopold II's desire to promote his colonial project, using the 'Colonial Section' of the 1897 exhibition to attract investors and public support. The exhibition, featuring naturalized animals, geological samples, commodities, and Congolese artifacts, was moved to the Africa Palace in Tervuren, becoming the first permanent Museum of the Congo in 1898. Over the years, the museum's name and focus evolved, becoming the Museum of the Belgian Congo and later the Royal Museum of the Belgian Congo. Following Congo's independence, it was renamed the Royal Museum for Central Africa, broadening its scope to encompass a wider geographical area. In December 2018, after a five-year renovation, the museum reopened as the AfricaMuseum, aiming to critically examine its colonial legacy and promote dialogue between cultures. The museum's collection includes ethnographic objects, natural science specimens, historical archives, and photographs, with a primary focus on the Congo Basin, Central Africa, East Africa, and West Africa. Visitors can explore exhibits on cultural anthropology, geology, mineralogy, zoology, and the history of the region. The museum also features contemporary art from Central Africa, displayed alongside original colonial exhibits. Today, the AfricaMuseum serves as both a museum and a research institute, with a significant portion of its staff and budget dedicated to scientific research. It strives to be a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and understanding, fostering interest in Africa's past, present, and sustainable development.

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