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Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire: A Cultural Tapestry

Discover Ivory Coast's cultural heart at the Musée des Civilisations in Abidjan, showcasing the nation's rich history, art, and traditions.

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Located in Abidjan's Plateau district, the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire showcases the nation's rich cultural heritage. With a collection of over 15,000 artifacts, the museum offers an immersive journey through Ivorian history, art, and traditions, highlighting the diverse ethnic groups and their unique customs.

A brief summary to Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire

Local tips

  • Most of the labeling and annotation is in French, consider hiring a guide or using a translation app if you don't speak French.
  • The museum is located in the Plateau district, Abidjan's business center, making it easily accessible by public transport or taxi.
  • Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, as the museum can get busy, especially on weekends.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From most parts of Abidjan, you can take a SOTRA bus to the Plateau district. Several bus lines serve the area. Once in Plateau, the museum is located on Boulevard Carde, near the general staff headquarters. A single bus fare typically costs 200-300 CFA.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Abidjan. A short taxi ride from a central Plateau location to the Musée des Civilisations will likely cost between 3000-4000 CFA. Be sure to negotiate the fare before you get in the taxi.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Plateau district, walking to the museum is a viable option. From the Grande Mosquée du Plateau, head east on Avenue Abdoulaye Fadiga, then turn left onto Boulevard Carde. The museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.

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Discover more about Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire

The Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire (MCCI) stands as a vibrant testament to the nation's diverse cultural heritage. Established in 1942, the museum's collection has grown to include over 15,000 ethnographic, archaeological, and iconographic works from across Ivory Coast. The museum's origins trace back to a craft center established by Governor Hubert Deschamps during the French colonial era. The initial aim was to showcase and preserve the work of traditional Ivorian artisans. Over time, the center evolved into a museum, becoming a repository of the nation's cultural treasures. The MCCI's exhibits offer a comprehensive view of Ivorian history, from ancient artifacts dating back to 10,000 BC to contemporary art pieces. Visitors can explore the customs, beliefs, and artistic traditions of the country's diverse ethnic groups. Highlights include traditional masks, sculptures, textiles, musical instruments, and a gilded bust of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the father of Ivorian independence. The museum also emphasizes the importance of oral traditions and storytelling in Ivorian culture. In 2010-2011, the museum suffered a loss of valuable pieces due to political crisis, but it reopened in 2017 after renovations. The Musée des Civilisations is not only a place to discover the past, but also a place that preserves Ivorian cultural heritage for future generations.

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