Théodore Monod African Art Museum

Dakar

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DESTINATIONS senegal dakar Do & See Théodore Monod African Art Museum

Théodore Monod African Art Museum

Théodore Monod African Art Museum, once called IFAN Museum of African Arts, was promoted by Senegal's first president Léopold Senghor. It is one of the oldest and most important art museums in West Africa, containing artworks from across Francophone Africa and boasting collections by contemporary African and diaspora artists. It also functions as a research institute for the study of African culture.

Do & See

Giant bronze statues, fantastic art museums, mosques, cathedrals and tons of fascinating history mean that you're sure to find plenty to do in Dakar. If you feel like exploring a bit further outside the city, attractions like the pink Lake Retba, the Village des Tortues, and the nearby Gorée Island make for great day trips.

Museum of Black Civilizations

Museum of Black Civilizations

Focusing on black cultural contributions across the world, the Museum of Black Civilizations is spread across four floors and features sections like "The Cradle of Humanity", a collection of human remains found in Africa, and "Africa Now", which focuses on contemporary art made by black …

Mosque of the Divinity

Mosque of the Divinity

The Mosque of the Divinity outside of Dakar fuses modernism and traditional Islamic architecture. With its two towers, it provides the perfect lookout point over the vast ocean waters washing over Senegal -- it remains an important pilgrimage site despite the tourism appeal. For an even more breathtaking panorama, venture out onto the cliffs …

African Renaissance Monument

African Renaissance Monument

Standing 49 metres high, this bronze statue (the biggest in all Africa) commemorates the end of slavery and the reemergence of the African continent after the oppressive European rule. This impressive sight has been the subject of criticism and controversy, but is nonetheless worth a …

Théodore Monod African Art Museum

Théodore Monod African Art Museum

Théodore Monod African Art Museum, once called IFAN Museum of African Arts, was promoted by Senegal's first president Léopold Senghor. It is one of the oldest and most important art museums in West Africa, containing artworks from across Francophone Africa and boasting collections by contemporary African and diaspora artists. It also functions as a research …

Ile de Gorée

Gorée Island used to be an important centre for the transport of slaves headed to America. It now boasts some impressive colonial architecture (though much of it is in ruins) and the House of Slaves museum. The island is small enough to explore on foot, and visitors can enjoy a drink on the beach …

House of Slaves

House of Slaves

The House of Slaves is a museum and memorial to the Atlantic slave trade on Gorée Island. The Door of No Return memorialises the final exit point of the slaves from Africa. Though the exact number of slaves who actually departed from here is debated, a visit is an important and solemn …

Le Village des Tortues (The Turtoises' Village)

Le Village des Tortues (The Turtoises' Village)

Located about 35 km east of Dakar, this small part of the botanical reserve of Noflaye is home to 11 species of turtles. It is a research institute, as well as a facility that protects these endangered species and releases young turtles into the …

Grand Mosque of Dakar

Grand Mosque of Dakar

This richly decorated mosque is one of the largest and most important religious buildings in the country. It is located right in the bustling neighbourhood of the Medina, among lively streets, cafes and …

Médina

This popular neighbourhood is always vibrant and full of life. Street markets, bustling cafes, cramped homes, and tiny shops give this quartier a constant buzz, and the locals give it life and …

Hann Park and Zoo

Hann Park and Zoo

These public park is a green oasis right in the heart of the city. It hosts three arboretums featuring a wide sample of Senegalese flora, as well as a zoo that is home to over 130 …

Lake Retba

Lake Retba is called by locals "Lac Rose", which means "pink lake". The reason is that it contains a very high concentration of cyanobacteria, which gives the water a strong pink colour, making a truly unique sight. Visitors can also see workers collecting salt from the lake in the traditional …

Village des Arts

Village des Arts

Senegal's best emerging and established artists, photographers, sculptors and painters create and display their works in this large garden area and in the adjoined …

Place de l'Indépendance

Place de l'Indépendance

Place de l'Indépendance, a central square surrounded by colonial buildings, is the very heart of the city. It's the best place to start exploring the city …

Palais Présidentiel

Palais Présidentiel

The Presidential Palace, also known as Palace of the republic, is home to the Senegalese Head of State. Though visitors are not allowed to enter the palace, this impressive neoclassical building is worth seeing. The structure from 1907 is surrounded by lush stately gardens and guards in their colonial-style …

Our Lady of Victories Cathedral

Our Lady of Victories Cathedral

This big majestic cathedral consecrated in 1936 is the hub of Catholicism in Senegal. Visits are quiet and peaceful, and local devouts can often be seen lighting candles or silently seated in …

Océanium

Océanium is an environmental agency that organises different types of ecologically friendly excursions and diving lessons. They're devoted to promoting ecotourism and conscious …

Layen Mausoleum

Layen Mausoleum

Yoff village is a strongly religious community, where drinking and smoking are forbidden, and visitors are expected to dress appropriately. This mausoleum is dedicated to Saidi Limamou Laye, the founder of the Layene Muslim brotherhood, and its location on the beach and sand floor make for an interesting …