The Museum of African Art

The Museum of African Art in Belgrade is the only museum in the region dedicated entirely to the culture of the African continent. Besides the permanent exhibit, the Museum plays host to thematic exhibits, lectures, concerts and theatre plays that represent the most significant segments of traditional and contemporary African art.

This “House of Africa in Belgrade”, as many call it, was founded in 1977 based on the collection of Dr Zdravko Pečar and Veda Zagorac, connoisseurs of African culture and passionate collectors. A part of their collection that was created during two decades that they had spent in the Western Africa was donated to the city of Belgrade, while the other part of the collection, that remained their private property, is now also exhibited in the Museum.

Mask Dan Ivory Coast

The permanent exhibit presents the artistic heritage of sedentary communities that based their subsistence on farming and hunting. The display includes authentic items from Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Burkina Fasso, Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Togo, Cameroon and Congo, and they all belong to the artistic traditions of ethnic groups: Bamana, Dogon, Kissi, Baga, Marka, Malinka, Bobo, Dan, Gere, Gouro, Senufo, Ashanti, Eve, Baule, Fon, Yoruba, and Bamileke.

The display consists mostly of masks and sculptures that are considered to be the classical examples of artistic expression of West Africa and they represent the main inventory of religious, agricultural and various social ceremonies. Other types of items that are exhibited here include objects of cult, objects for magical purposes, decorative and items of everyday use made of wood and bronze, than different textiles, pottery, soapstone figurines, as well as particularly interesting music instruments.

Single pieces or entire collections were purchased or donated to the Museum and then included into the founding museum collection; hence the collection currently consists of several thousand of authentic items of traditional art originating from the countries of West, Central and East Africa.

The Museum of African Art follows and displays the African art tradition in different ways. The Museum is host to numerous lectures, concerts, literal evenings, bazaars, art workshops etc. Once a year, every June, Afro Festival that celebrates African music, dance, art and crafts is being organized in the Museum.

Since 2006 a manifestation called “Colored World” representing the works of African artists is being organized in the Museum.

The Museum of African Art is open for visitors every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The ticket price is 300 RSD, while the price for group ticket is 200 RSD.

How to get to the Museum of African Art?

The easiest way to get to Topčider hill is by the bus number 44 with the starting bus stop at Dunav stanica, the bus continues in Kneza Miloša Street in the city center. The closest bus stop to the Museum is the first stop after the Topčiderska zvezda in Vase Pelagića Street. The Musem itself is located in Andre Nikolića Street, number 14.

Featured photo: bbc.com

Photos: www.museumofafricanart.org