Top 5: Museums in Cameroon

Cameroon’s diverse cities contain a wealth of historical information along with beautiful displays of art, if you know where to look. Here are some of the best museums to learn about the African nation’s colorful culture.

Doual’Art
This contemporary art museum in the heart of old city, Douala showcases local artists on a rotating basis. Inside you’ll find paintings and sculptures showcasing Cameroon’s culture along with a variety of unique works that highlight the creativity of the local artists. It’s small, but certainly worth a visit.

Museum of Civilization
The Museum of Civilization in Dschang is a must for travelers interested in learning about Cameroon. The museum details the history of the country from prehistoric times to the present. Exhibits include archeological finds, colonization and entire sections dedicated to the different ethnic groups and kingdoms throughout Cameroon’s storied history.

National Museum of Yaounde
The National Museum of Yaounde resides in the former presidential palace and contains a wide variety of historical artifacts. On the first floor you can partake in a guided tour that showcases recent history through photographs. Up top, the real treasures can be found, such as historical costumes, traditional furniture and instruments used throughout the centuries.

Musee Maritime de Douala
The Musee Maritime de Douala is a lovely museum that highlights the region’s vast history of naval exploration and economics. On the first floor, you’ll discover the history of the Wouri coast and the city of Douala and, on the second, you’ll find an exhibit all about boats. There’s a replica of a real boat control room along with a 3D simulator on the third floor. Don’t miss the top, which provides excellent views of the Douala port.

Blackitude Museum
This hidden gem in Yaounde is hard to find but worth the effort. Inside you’ll find a storied history on the ethnography of the region and a throne room with artifacts, costumes and masks. There’s also a space where they show movies from local filmmakers and put on Saturday afternoon poetry slams.