MUSEE DES CIVILISATIONS DEFENSES ELEPHANT SYMBOLE COTE IVOIRE
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National Museum of Civilizations of Côte d'Ivoire

3.9
·869 reviews·Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Discover Côte d'Ivoire's rich heritage through over 15,000 artifacts, from ancient masks to contemporary art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Less crowded offices, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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MUSEE DES CIVILISATIONS DEFENSES ELEPHANT SYMBOLE COTE IVOIRE

National Museum of Civilizations of Côte d'Ivoire

Best Time

Weekends

Less crowded offices, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Côte d'Ivoire's rich heritage through over 15,000 artifacts, from ancient masks to contemporary art.

3.9
(869 reviews)

"A guide is essential to truly understand the impressive collection of artifacts."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Hire a Guide!

Essential for understanding artifacts. Inquire about English guides in advance; they're worth the extra fee .

📸 Photo Policy

Photos generally not allowed, except for the elephant skull at the entrance. Respect the rules .

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.9 · 882 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ethnographic & Archaeological Collection

Ethnographic & Archaeological Collection

Main Exhibition Halls

Discover over 15,000 artifacts, including masks, statues, and musical instruments, showcasing Côte d'Ivoire's diverse ethnic groups.

Contemporary Art Room

Contemporary Art Room

Dedicated Exhibition Space

Explore modern creations by African artists, highlighting the vibrant and evolving art scene on the continent.

Art Garden

Art Garden

Outdoor Space

Wander through a garden enriched with recent artistic works, offering a unique blend of culture and nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Guided Tours are Key

While the museum houses an impressive collection, many visitors find a guide essential for understanding the artifacts' context and cultural significance. Without one, the experience can feel unimpressive. Inquire about English-speaking guides in advance, as availability can be limited.Reddit

Renovations & Access

The museum has undergone renovations, and some areas might be temporarily closed. While this can be disappointing, staff may offer personalized tours. Check for any ongoing updates before your visit to manage expectations.TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Less crowded offices, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Quieter for focused exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Culture Generale. Le musée des civilisations 📖📚 #culturegenerale #cotedivoire🇨🇮225 #cotedivoiretourisme #savoir #connaissance #visite
@globbappli
62 likes • 771 views

🎯 Hire a Guide!

Essential for understanding artifacts. Inquire about English guides in advance; they're worth the extra fee.Reddit

📸 Photo Policy

Photos generally not allowed, except for the elephant skull at the entrance. Respect the rules.Reddit

Dans le cadre de ses visites virtuelles de la salle d’exposition, le Musée des civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire a reçu pour une toute première expérience les élèves du Morning Glory international school de bingerville. Bien que la salle d’exposition soit encore fermée pour des travaux de rénovation, nous vous convions à venir vivre l’expérience d’une visite virtuelle avec nos excellents guides , en ...
@musee_des_civilis
100 likes • 2.6K views
Le Musée des civilisations d’Abidjan en VR par la Fondation Orange Côte d’Ivoire #cotedivoire #ftp #abidjan
@fakhrynader
583 likes • 10.4K views

🗣️ Language Support

Information is primarily in French. Use a translator app if needed.Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Art shops on-site offer beautiful items, but prices can be higher than local markets.Reddit

LA GRANDE FAMILLE DE JUIN au musée des civilisations du plateau. Belle visite guidée #juin #family #musée #civilisation #cotedivoire🇨🇮225
@grande_famille_de_juin
200 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Hire a Guide!

Essential for understanding artifacts. Inquire about English guides in advance; they're worth the extra fee.Reddit

📸 Photo Policy

Photos generally not allowed, except for the elephant skull at the entrance. Respect the rules.Reddit

🗣️ Language Support

Information is primarily in French. Use a translator app if needed.Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Art shops on-site offer beautiful items, but prices can be higher than local markets.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with St. Paul's Cathedral and explore the Plateau district on weekends.Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(869 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the museum's extensive collection of artifacts and the knowledgeable guides who bring the history to life. However, some find the museum small and note that information is primarily in French, making a guide essential for non-French speakers. Renovations can sometimes impact accessibility.

"Museum of Civilizations of Ivory Coast

Masks, wooden statues, musical instruments, objects of worship: in total, no less than 15,210 pieces reflecting the country's different ethnic groups or religions through the exhibitions in this ethnographic, archaeological and iconographic museum created by the French colonial administration in 1942 and located in Abidjan.

Planted at the foot of the skyscrapers of the Plateau, the Ivorian business district, the Museum of Civilizations is more colorful, more welcoming, it now gives pride of place to contemporary creations with a room devoted to artists from the continent and a garden enriched with recent works. Considered the largest in the country,

The Museum of Civilizations of Côte d'Ivoire is a government museum, dependent on the Ministry of Culture and La Francophonie. It was originally a craft center created by the colonial administration.
Built on an area of ​​2 hectares, the Museum of Civilizations of Côte d'Ivoire is bounded to the East by the Administrative City, to the West by the General Staff of the Armed Forces (Camp Gallieni) and to the North by the National Library."

Jacob Koua

"The museum visit was a bit unimpressive, possibly because without a guide you have no backstory/content to tell you about the artifacts. The English guide was on a tour when we got there and we had to leave after waiting 30minutes. Getting the guided tour is at an additional fee but is an absolute must if you want to understand what you’re looking at. There are some art shops in the compound with beautiful objects which are pricier compared to the market. All the same it was a good visit, and the Plateau area is a nice place to visit on weekends as offices are closed. Don’t forget to visit the St Paul’s cathedral(within walking distance)"

Christabel A

"Very small museum, cool knowledgeable guides that seem to master a lot of the countrie's historic, traditional and mythological stories. In an hour you can see most part of it. There is a little shop outside of the museum where you can buy some artifacts that are also available elsewhere at lesser price."

N'gnimbien Erwin

What People Like

Rich artifact collection
Knowledgeable guides
Contemporary art section

What People Dislike

Limited English info
Museum size
Renovation closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in the Plateau district of Abidjan, a central business area. It's accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. If you're exploring the Plateau on a weekend, it's within walking distance of other attractions like St. Paul's Cathedral.Reddit

Information on dedicated parking is limited, but the Plateau district has various parking options. It's advisable to check with your taxi driver or use a navigation app for the best approach.

Taxis and ride-sharing apps are common. For a more local experience, you might consider 'woro-woro' (shared taxis), but be aware of routes and fares. Many visitors find taxis convenient for reaching specific locations like the museum.TikTok

While specific accessibility information is scarce, the museum is located in a modern district. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date details on ramps or elevator access.

Yes, many Abidjan city tours include a stop at the National Museum of Civilizations. This can be a convenient way to see multiple sights and get an overview of the city's cultural offerings.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, and the museum has undergone renovations. It's best to check the official museum website or contact them directly for the most current information on operating days and times.TikTok

Admission fees are typically modest. However, guided tours come at an additional cost, which many visitors find essential for a meaningful experience.Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for general admission. However, if you are part of a large group or wish to arrange a specific guided tour, it's advisable to contact the museum beforehand.

The museum occasionally hosts special events, exhibitions, and even markets like the Salon International de la Beauté.TikTok Keep an eye on their social media or local event listings for updates.

Yes, guided tours are offered at an additional fee. Visitors strongly recommend taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the museum's collection and historical context.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum boasts over 15,000 pieces, including masks, wooden statues, musical instruments, and objects of worship, reflecting the country's diverse ethnic groups and religions.Reddit There's also a contemporary art room and an art garden.

Photography is generally not permitted inside the museum, with the exception of the elephant skull located at the entrance. Be sure to respect the signage and staff instructions.Reddit

Information and exhibit descriptions are primarily in French. Visitors who don't speak French are advised to bring a smartphone with a translator app or ensure they have an English-speaking guide.Reddit

A visit can take about an hour if you're quickly browsing, but with a guided tour and deeper exploration, you might spend 2-3 hours. The size is described as 'pretty small' by some visitors.Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available. Information on cafes or dining options within the museum is limited, but there are often art shops on the compound.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Specific dining facilities within the museum are not widely mentioned. However, the Plateau district, where the museum is located, offers numerous restaurants and cafes catering to various tastes and budgets.

You can find a range of Ivorian cuisine, from local street food to more formal dining experiences. Many restaurants offer dishes featuring fresh seafood, chicken, and plantains.

The Plateau district is a hub for business and dining. You'll find options from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Exploring the area will reveal many choices for lunch or dinner.

It's generally not recommended to bring outside food and drinks into museums. It's best to consume them before your visit or at designated areas outside the exhibition halls.

Yes, there have been events like the #brunch #mangoro hosted at the museum, indicating it can be a venue for special culinary gatherings.TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally prohibited inside the museum, with the notable exception of the elephant skull at the entrance. This policy is common in many cultural institutions to protect the artifacts.Reddit

The elephant skull at the entrance is often cited as the only permitted photo opportunity. Always check for signage or ask museum staff if you are unsure.

Given the general prohibition on photography, flash photography is almost certainly not allowed. Flash can damage delicate artifacts over time.

Photography policies for the art shops on the compound might differ from the museum interior. It's polite to ask the shopkeepers before taking pictures of their merchandise.

While interior photography is restricted, the museum's location in the Plateau district offers opportunities to photograph the surrounding modern architecture and skyscrapers.TikTok

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