The Theodore Monod African Art Museum in Senegal is one of the principal art museums in Dakar, Senegal. Theodore Monod was a French humanist, scholar and explorer. Having settled in Senegal for a significant part of his career, he founded the Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noire ((FAN), the aim of which was to study the history, language of people of countries that were once French colonies in West Africa. Theodore Monod died at Age 98.

The Theodore Monod museum is made in two buildings: the first building was done in 1932, and is dedicated to the permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions of ancient art. The second building was created in 1992, and includes other exhibition halls as well as space for public events, conferences and banquets.

What Makes the Theodore Monod African Art Museum unique?

It is one of the oldest museums in West Africa, promoted by the 樂威壯 first Senegalese President, Leopold Sedar Senghor. It is also one of the common exhibition sites of the  Dakar Biennale, or Dak’Art – Biennale de l’Art Africain Contemporain (Contemporary Art exhibition), the next edition being in 2020.

Practical Information before visiting the Theodore Monod African Art Museum

• Location: the museum is located at Rue Place 18, Dakar
• Cost: 2000 CFA = 4 USD. This is the cost of the permanent exhibition of African Art. By paying this fee, you also get access to the seasonal exhibitions that they have. When I visited (March 2019), the seasonal exhibition was…  There is a section of the museum that is accessible for free. However, it is an exhibition on German and European Art.

IMPORTANT: There are not as many artefacts available as at the Museum of Black Civilizations. The african exhibition at the Theodore Monod African Art Museum is solely focused on African masks and their significance. However, if you would like a fuller experience of African history, art and culture, I highly recommend the Museum of Black Civilizations (Musee des Civilizations Noires).

Picture Gallery of the Theodore Monod African Art Museum

Check out this picture gallery of the Theodore Monod Museum in Senegal.