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Douala Maritime Museum: Charting Cameroon's Seafaring History

Explore Cameroon's maritime past at the Douala Maritime Museum, a treasure trove of coastal heritage and seafaring history in the heart of Douala.

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The Douala Maritime Museum, inaugurated in 2013, is an architectural marvel shaped like a ship's stern, dedicated to preserving and promoting Cameroon's coastal heritage. Located in the Bonanjo district, it showcases a rich collection of maritime artifacts, offering insights into the region's seafaring past and colonial history.

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Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends and public holidays tend to be busier.
  • Consider hiring an English-speaking guide to fully understand the exhibits if you are not fluent in French.
  • Take advantage of the museum's upper floors for unique city views and photo opportunities.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and special events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Centre des Affaires Maritimes, walk along Rue de l'Hôpital. The Maritime Museum will be a short walk down the street. No costs involved.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Douala. Ask the driver to take you to the Musée Maritime on Rue de l'Hôpital in Bonanjo. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs around 1500 XAF. Be sure to negotiate the price before starting your journey.

  • Public Transport

    Look for local buses heading towards Bonanjo. Get off at the Bonanjo bus stop, which is the closest stop to the museum. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the Maritime Museum. Bus tickets cost around 250-1000 XAF.

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The Douala Maritime Museum, established in 1986 and revitalized in 2013, stands as a beacon of Cameroon's maritime history. Housed in a striking, modern building designed to resemble the stern of a ship, the museum is located in the Bonanjo district of Douala. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and promote the cultural heritage of Cameroon's coast. The museum's collection comprises around 3,000 historical, cultural, and artistic objects, including sculptures, photographs, maps, and traditional fishing tools. Exhibitions explore themes such as man in his natural environment, the evolution of ships, and the history of trade in Cameroonian ports. A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to the colonial era and the struggles between locals and colonists. Visitors can also experience a sailing simulator, offering a glimpse into maritime navigation techniques. The museum's location on Rue de l'Hôpital places it within walking distance of the Centre des Affaires Maritimes. The three-story building spans 600 square meters, with 400 square meters dedicated to exhibitions and an 80-square-meter multipurpose room for educational programs. The museum also collaborates with international entities to enhance its programs and promote maritime heritage conservation.

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