The Museum of Civilizations of Dschang (musée des civilisations du Cameroun, or musée des civilisations de Dschang) was established in 2010 in Dschang, Cameroon in the Menoua division. Managed by the Dschang community, the Museum maintains a diversity of collections highlighting both its local Dschang sociocultural histories and those of the broader Cameroonian peoples. The Museum aims to create a space where local and non-local communities can appreciate and experience the breadth and richness of Cameroon's diverse cultural and social histories. Located on the shores of Lake Dschang, the Museum has become a popular place of cultural and leisurely activity in the community.
History Beginnings and projects
The Dschang civilisation museum was created in 2010.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.
Mission The museum was created due to the need of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Cameroon. 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.
Acquisition, implementation and beginning The museum contains more than 500 objects representing the wealth and diversity of the Cameroonian culture. It implementation involves the construction of the building of 1000m².
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). From 2009 to 2013, Rachel Mariambe worked as vice director.
Fundings The museum is supported by the international cooperation and also by the city of Nantes.
Tourism and exploration It is one of the most visited museums in Cameroon. 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.
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.
The building is located beside the Dschang municipal lake.
The museum measures 1000m². It contains two conical zincs, the museum was constructed by Sylvain Djache Nzefa.
Other activities linked to the museum There are many activities such as guidance, conservation and conférences with youths and schools.
Collection This museum proposes an exploration of the cultural wealth and roots of the Cameroonians and the museum conserves about 500 objects.
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.
The exposed objects include masks, sculptures, ritual objects and also elements linked to social practices, politics and traditional cultures. This set of objects seeks to ease the comprehension of Cameroonian history and culture.
Permanent exhibitions These collections are divided into 6 principal sections.
Temporary exhibitions Independence 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.
Crafts shop The museum proposes a crafts shop where we can find derived products and cultural editions.
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