Museums and galleries in Dakar

Museums and galleries in Dakar

1. See

   African Renaissance Monument

   This colossal copper monument opened in 2010 and is dedicated to Africa's emergence from the oppressive European regimes that once ruled the continent and the end of slavery. It is also meant as a display of African pride to counter foreign perceptions of Africans as inferior people. The monument is rather controversial, with some Africans feeling the sense of pride it is meant to evoke while others criticizing it as a foreign (it was built by North Korea), completely un-African Stalinist statue. With its 52 m from base to top, it is the tallest statue in Africa and also the tallest in the world outside Eurasia. Free to visit on the outside. But the view from the top and the exhibition is worth the admission.

   Open now · open 24 hours·CFA6500

2. See

   Ile de Gorée

   Goree Island

   It was named by the Dutch after taking over the island from the Portuguese in the late 1600s. Today it's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Goree was a minor location used for the transport of slaves headed to the Americas, though its prominence is often overplayed. The island has interesting colonial architecture, mostly in ruins, including the landmark "House of Slaves" museum. Ferries can be taken from the terminal north of Place de l'Independence and cost CFA5000. The trip takes 10-20 minutes. There are many small restaurants and a handful of places offering lodging. Just walk around and explore. It's a small island, so you can easily stroll around it in an hour. You can buy cheap beer and lounge on the beach when you're done, or stroll some more and buy art-work from the locals.

3. See

   Loman Art Gallery

   https://www.lomanart.com/

   A place for contemporary African art aficionados owned by the eponymous artist. Along with works by various artists, you can find special showings, a cafe and even a homestay.

   Daily 10:00-18:00·Free admission

4. See

   Musée des Forces Armées Senegalaise

   Senegalese Armed Forces Museum

   Patriotic museum showcasing the history of Senegal and its military, including how Senegalese soldiers fought bravely under the French flag.

5. See

   Place du Souvenir Africain

   A plaza perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean with the Henry Bathily Museum of the Women and some eateries and exhibition space. Here you can really take in the sunset from the edge of Africa. Adjacent to the Sea Plaza shopping mall.

6. See

   IFAN Museum of African Arts

   Musée Théodore Monod d’Art Africain

   Rue Emile Zola

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Dakar (CC BY-SA 4.0).