The Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), also known as the AfricaMuseum since 2018, is an ethnography and natural history museum located in Tervuren, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, just outside Brussels.
Royal Museum for Central Africa.
The museum focuses on the Congo, a former Belgian colony.
The sphere of interest, however, especially in biological research, extends to the whole Congo Basin, Central Africa, East Africa, and West Africa, attempting to integrate "Africa" as a whole. Intended originally as a colonial museum, from 1960 onwards it has focused more on ethnography and anthropology.
A Glimpse into the Past
The AfricaMuseum has a complex history rooted in colonialism. Be prepared for exhibits that reflect this past, with ongoing efforts to recontextualize and engage with African perspectives. The museum's efforts to address its colonial past are noted, though some find the historical context challenging.
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After the Congo Free State was recognised by the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, King Leopold II wanted to publicise the civilising mission and the economic opportunities available in his private colony to a wider public, both in Belgium and internationally.
When the 1897 International Exposition was held in Brussels, a colonial section was built in Tervuren, connected to the city centre by the monumental Avenue de Tervueren/Tervurenlaan. The Brussels-Tervuren tram line 44 was built at the same time as the original museum by Leopold II to bring the visitors from the city centre to the colonial exhibition.
Tram line 44 Brussels-Tervuren.
The colonial section was hosted in the Palace of the Colonies. The building was designed by the French architect Alfred-Philibert Aldrophe and the classical gardens by the French landscape architect Elie Lainé.
In the main hall, known as the Hall of the Great Cultures (French: Salon des Grandes Cultures), the architect and decorator Georges Hobé designed a distinctive wooden Art Nouveau structure to evoke a Congolese forest, using Bilinga wood, an African tree.
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The exhibition displayed ethnographic objects, stuffed animals and Congolese export products (e.g. coffee, cacao and tobacco). The exhibition's success led to the permanent establishment, in 1898, of the Museum of the Congo (French: Musée du Congo, Dutch: Museum van Kongo), a museum and a scientific institution for the dissemination of colonial propaganda and support for Belgium's colonial activities, and a permanent exhibition was installed in the Palace of the Colonies.
A decade later, in 1912, a small, similar museum-the African Museum of Namur-was opened in Namur.
The museum began to support academic research, but due to the avid collecting of the scientists, the collection soon grew too large for the museum and enlargement was needed. Tervuren, which had become a rich suburb of Brussels, was once again chosen as the location of the enlarged museum.
The new museum started construction in 1904 and was designed by the French architect Charles Girault in neoclassical "palace" architecture, reminiscent of the Petit Palais in Paris, with large gardens extending into the Tervuren Forest (a part of the Sonian Forest).
The following years saw the consolidation and enlargement of the museum's collections. In 1934, the museum's herbarium was transferred to the National Botanic Garden of Belgium (today's Meise Botanic Garden in Meise, Flemish Brabant). In 1952, the adjective "Royal" was added to the museum's name.
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In preparation for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58), in 1957, a large building was constructed to accommodate the African personnel working in the exhibition: the Centre d'Accueil du Personnel Africain (CAPA).
By the turn of the millennium, the museum was in need of a thorough renovation. The more than 100-year-old central building was no longer adapted to the needs of a current museum operation. Besides, the permanent exhibition was outdated and its presentation not very critical of the colonial history. A global master plan was drawn up in 2007 for the entire site. The Belgian Buildings Agency entrusted the plan to the Temporary Association Stéphane Beel Architects (TV SBA).
In late 2013, the museum was closed to allow a major renovation of its exhibits and an extension. The Belgian Government spent €66 million on the museum's modernisation.
The exhibition area was increased from 6,000 m2 (65,000 sq ft) to 11,000 m2 (120,000 sq ft), while presenting fewer pieces; 700 against 1,400 previously (out of a total of 180,000 objects preserved).
The current AfricaMuseum complex consists of six buildings. The centrally located main building houses the permanent exhibitions. It was built under Leopold II by the French architect Charles Girault.
The building is 125 metres (410 ft) long and 75 metres (246 ft) wide. The façade is decorated in the style of the neoclassical French grand palaces.
On the right (south-west) side of this imposing building is the Executive Pavilion, and on the left (north-east), the Stanley Pavilion, which houses the entire Stanley Archive. Following the museum's complete renovation, a part of the previously scattered archives are now presented in new on-site exhibition spaces.
A reception pavilion, newly built in 2016, between the management building and the Palace of Africa, functions as the entrance building. In this building are the ticket offices, cloakrooms, a shop, a restaurant, as well as a picnic area for children.
An underground gallery leads from the reception building into the existing museum building. This space is also used for temporary exhibitions.
Collections and Exhibits
The AfricaMuseum houses collections that are unique in the world, of which only a small proportion can be exhibited. The Department of Cultural Anthropology can boast of 120,000 ethnographic objects (1,600 of which are in the exhibition rooms).
The ethnomusicology collection comprises 8,000 musical instruments, as well as 2,500 hours of recordings of traditional music from sub-Saharan Africa, in particular in Central Africa (Congo, Rwanda and Burundi), of which the oldest dates back to 1910 (wax Edison scrolls).
Finally, the Department of History and General Scientific Services manages thousands of historical objects and 350 archives, including some of Henry Morton Stanley's journals.
Royal Museum for Central Africa/Королевский музей Центральной Африки
You can explore extensive collections on African ethnography, anthropology, biodiversity, and history. The museum also features impressive taxidermy and architectural highlights.
Exploring the Biodiversity and Ethnography
Beyond its historical context, the AfricaMuseum Tervuren boasts an impressive collection dedicated to the rich biodiversity of Africa. Through meticulously preserved taxidermy and detailed displays, visitors can learn about the continent's diverse fauna and flora. This section offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural world of Africa, highlighting its unique ecosystems and species.
Complementing the natural history exhibits are extensive collections on African ethnography and anthropology. These displays provide insights into the diverse cultures, traditions, and daily lives of various African peoples. From intricate art objects and tools to ceremonial artifacts, the museum offers a window into the vibrant cultural tapestry of the continent. The aim is to showcase the richness and complexity of African societies, moving beyond colonial stereotypes.
Architectural Grandeur and Surrounding Park
The AfricaMuseum Tervuren is housed within the magnificent Palace of the Colonies, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. The grandeur of the building itself is a significant part of the visitor experience, with its imposing facade and elegant interiors.
The museum's location also offers access to the beautiful Tervuren Park, a sprawling green space perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The park surrounding the museum provides a serene escape and complements the indoor exhibits. It's an ideal place to relax after exploring the museum's collections, offering picturesque views and a chance to connect with nature. The combination of impressive architecture and natural beauty makes the AfricaMuseum Tervuren a well-rounded destination.
Tervuren Park.
Planning Your Visit
Check the AfricaMuseum Tervuren opening hours before you go, as they vary by day and season. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier. The surrounding park and family-friendly amenities are also highlighted as positives.
The museum is buggy and wheelchair-friendly, with a picnic area. Perfect for families! Ample free parking is available across the street from the museum.
Combine your visit with the nearby Tram Museum for a unique transport history experience.
Tickets & Entry
The AfricaMuseum Tervuren has varied opening hours. Generally, it's open from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and until 6 PM on weekends and holidays. Standard admission is €12. However, entry is free for children and for anyone holding a Museumpas.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for weekends or holidays, is advisable to guarantee entry and potentially save time. The Museumpas offers a significant saving for frequent museum-goers.
Onsite Experience
Guided tours may be available, often focusing on specific aspects of the museum's collections or history. It's best to check the museum's official schedule or inquire upon arrival.
Take your time to absorb the exhibits. Consider focusing on specific themes or areas that interest you most, as the collections are vast. Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions within certain exhibits.
Food & Dining
Yes, there is a bistro called Tembo on-site for dining, and a coffee corner for lighter refreshments. The museum provides a picnic area, so you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy it there.
Besides the museum's bistro, the town of Tervuren offers various local restaurants and cafes for dining options. It's recommended to check the current menu at Bistro Tembo for specific dietary options, as menus can change.
Photography
The grand architecture of the Palace of the Colonies, the impressive taxidermy displays, and the lush surrounding parkland offer excellent photo opportunities.
Tripod usage is typically restricted in museums to avoid obstructing other visitors and damaging exhibits. Always check the museum's specific photography guidelines. Flash photography is generally not permitted inside the AfricaMuseum Tervuren to protect the artifacts and exhibits.
A versatile camera, perhaps a mirrorless or DSLR with a good all-around lens, would be suitable. However, even a smartphone can capture great shots, especially with good lighting. Drone photography is almost certainly prohibited both inside and around the museum premises due to safety and privacy regulations.
Getting There
The AfricaMuseum Tervuren is accessible by car with free parking available across the street. Public transport options include buses from Brussels.
For ease and convenience, driving is often recommended due to the free parking. However, public transport is also an option if you prefer not to drive.
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