Best Museums in Porto-Novo, Benin

Benin’s capital city might not be the cultural powerhouse of some of the world’s more famous destinations, but there are plenty of things to keep you busy while visiting. Porto-Novo has some wonderful museums waiting for those willing to seek them out.

Ethnographique Museum of Porto Novo

The Ethnographique Museum of Porto Novo was established in the 1960s and is considered the capital’s first real museum. Inside you’ll find an impressive collection of voodoo and Gèlèdè masques along with numerous historical artifacts from Benin. The English-speaking guides possess a great deal of knowledge on the different ethnic groups in the country. The museum is only two stories and will take roughly an hour to explore, making it a great little pit stop during your trip.

da Silva Museum

The da Silva Museum is a colonial home containing a vast array of collections detailing Benin’s history with a special emphasis on Afro-Brazilian culture. Inside, you’ll find relics from colonial-era Benin that include artifacts from traditional religious practices and information on the country’s history of slavery. The museum also has an on-site restaurant and cyber café where you can occasionally catch live concerts from local artists. Every January, the da Silva Museum also hosts a large Afro-Brazilian legacy festival.

Musee Honmé (Palais Royal)

The Honmé Museum was once the Royal Palace of King Toffa but now serves as a historical monument to Benin’s royal family from years gone. It features artifacts from the Yoruba ethnic group like costumes, masks and instruments as well as photographs from previous Porto-Novo royal families. Fans of African monarchies will enjoy the displays and insight in the history of the local government.