Lhe Senegal has built the largest museum of black civilizations. According to the representative of the Senegalese government, the project will cost 1,5 billion CFA Francs to the state of Senegal and will constitute, with the large theater, the two main cultural infrastructures of the country.
“Sixty percent of the museum's work is complete. And by April 2016, you will give us the brand new infrastructure (…) Senegal will, thanks to China, carry out this old project resulting from the first world festival of black arts (1966) ”said the Senegalese minister.
As a reminder, the World Festival of Negro Arts (1966) was the greatest celebration in Negro history. Several personalities such as André Malraux, Aimé Césaire, Jean Price-Mars, Duke Ellington, Joséphine Baker, Langston Hughes, Aminata Fall and many others had participated in the first edition of the festival in Dakar (Senegal from April 1 to 24, 1966).
China, partner of Senegal in the realization of this ambitious project, understands the importance of this museum in the eyes of Africans: “We have had similar vicissitudes. It is for this reason that we understand (…) The suffering of our African friends. It is this common fate that unites us and continues to give a dynamic impetus to the strengthening of our relations of friendship and cooperation ”, said diplomat Xia Huang.
The Museum of African Civilizations is finished
Located in Dakar, opposite the Grand Theatre, the Museum of African Civilizations is built on an area of 2,2 hectares with a total built-up area of 14000 m2. The main building, 24 meters high, is a 4-storey above-ground structure. All of the buildings include, in its interior, exhibition halls, a ceremonial hall, an equipment projection room.
