Dschang museum
The Dschang civilisation museum was inaugurated in 2010[1] at Dschang in the Menoua division(Western region of Cameroon). It is a modern museum managed by the Dschang community.[2] The museum intergrates multiple collections which are not only local. The goal of the museum was to create a place where local and foreign communities could read and live the socio-cultural authenticity of the Cameroonians. Having a green space, the museum is located at approximity of the Dschang municipal lake.[3]
History
Beginnings and projects
The Dschang civilisation museum was created in 2010.[4]This museum is a testimony of a collaborative effort between the local authorities, the city of Nantes in France and the program "La Route des Chefferies", who united their resources to make this museum a major pole of cultural tourism in Cameroon.[2]
Mission
The museum was created due to the need of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Cameroon.[3] It distinguishes itself by its ambition to unite and transmit the traditions, history and skills of the different Cameroonian communities all this promoting the cultural exchanges over the borders. It permits to discover the origins of the Cameroonian and the diversity of the four great cultural areas of the country.[3]
Acquisition, implementation and beginning
The museum contains more than 500 objects representing the wealth and diversity of the Cameroonian culture.[1] It implementation involves the construction of the building of 1000m².[5]
Administration
Administration council
The council was created on the 31st, March 2010, it has as president Jaean Nkuete(vice prime minister in charge of agriculture and rural development).[4] From 2009 to 2013, Rachel Mariambe worked as vice director.[6]
Fundings
The museum is supported by the international cooperation and also by the city of Nantes.[7]
Tourism and exploration
It is one of the most visited museums in Cameroon.[7][5] It shows the cultural heritage of Cameroon, it is an interface between the tourists and the structures it receives from the Western region. In addition to that, the nautical activities such as the sport activities and the activities for all.[3]
Architecture and space organisation
The building contains many shapes such as spider, elephant, mask and buffalo The architecture of the museum seeks to translate, through its various forms and organisation the cultural and imaginary values of the Cameroonian societies.[1]
The building is located beside the Dschang municipal lake.[3]
The museum measures 1000m².[5] It contains two conical zincs, the museum was constructed by Sylvain Djache Nzefa.[4]
Other activities linked to the museum
There are many activities such as guidance, conservation and conférences with youths and schools.[5]
Collection
This museum proposes an exploration of the cultural wealth and roots of the Cameroonians and the museum conserves about 500 objects.[1]
These collections represent the principal cultural areas of the country, notably the forests societies, of the littoral, of the sudano-sahelian regions and of the Grassfields.[2]
The exposed objects include masks, sculptures, ritual objects and also elements linked to social practices, politics and traditional cultures.[1] This set of objects seeks to ease the comprehension of the Cameroonian history and culture.
Permanent exhibitions
These collections are divided into 6 principal sections.[3]
Temporary exhibitions
Independance of Cameroon, let us deliver the memory was an exhibition which took place from 17 June 2023 to 30 March 2024 at the Dschang civilisation museum.[8]
Crafts shop
The museum proposes a crafts shop where we can find derived products and cultural editions.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "African Cities Insights I Cameroon museums: The language of symbols for cosmo-architecture". AIN website. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 Mbohou, Azize (30 January 2024). "Musée des civilisations : l'ambassadeur de France en escale". Cameroon Tribune (in French). Retrieved 10 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Découvrez le Musée des Civilisations de Dschang". Africultures (in French). February 2011. Archived from the original on 18 September 2024.
- 1 2 3 "Musée des Civilisations : 2ème Conseil d'Administration". Bafou (in French). 28 September 2011. Archived from the original on 19 February 2026. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Musée des civilisations à Dschang". Découverte du Cameroun. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ "Rachel Mariembe". The Conversation. 21 November 2024. Archived from the original on 13 February 2026. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Coopération Nantes - Dschang: Une forte délégation Française en visite au musée des civilisations de Dschang ce Jeudi". menouactuweb.com. Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ Zanga, Yannick (16 June 2023). "Musée : Mémoires de l'indépendance". Cameroon Tribune (in French). Archived from the original on 15 October 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2026.