The Royal Museum for Central Africa (AfricaMuseum) was established in 1898. The museum was officially opened to the public on April 30, 1910.
The Royal Museum for Central Africa houses one of the world's most extensive collections related to Central Africa, particularly focusing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Belgian Congo).
Main Collections of the Royal Museum for Central Africa
1. Ethnographic & Cultural Artifacts
- Traditional masks, sculptures, and musical instruments from Central African ethnic groups such as the Luba, Kuba, and Songye.
- Everyday objects, textiles, and weapons from various African cultures.
- Royal regalia and court artifacts from African kingdoms like the Kuba Kingdom.
- Ritual objects, including fetishes and power figures (nkisi nkondi) used in spiritual practices.
2. Natural History & Zoological Collections
- Extensive botanical and zoological specimens, including stuffed animals, skeletons, and insect collections.
- Fossils and minerals from Central Africa, showcasing geological diversity.
- Specimens from major African ecosystems, including the Congo rainforest and savanna.
3. Historical Archives & Colonial Artifacts
- Documents, photographs, and films from the colonial period (1885–1960).
- Artifacts related to the Force Publique, the Belgian colonial army.
- Maps, reports, and missionary records detailing early European exploration in Africa.
- Personal belongings of historical figures such as Henry Morton Stanley and King Leopold II.
4. Artistic Collections
- Contemporary African art, including paintings and sculptures from modern Congolese artists.
- Colonial-era paintings and propaganda materials depicting Belgium’s role in Central Africa.
- Photography collections showcasing African daily life and traditions.
5. Linguistics & Musicology
- One of the largest collections of Central African languages and dialect recordings.
- Traditional African musical instruments, such as drums, xylophones, and thumb pianos (mbira).
- Field recordings and ethnographic studies of African oral traditions and storytelling.
The Royal Museum for Central Africa holds a massive collection of approximately 10 million objects, only about 8,000 to 10,000 objects are on display at any given time in exhibitions.
The Royal Museum for Central Africa, has a total area of approximately 25,600 square meters. Around 11,000 square meters is dedicated to public exhibitions.
Copyright: MRAC
