When it comes to truly getting to know a country, museums are my go-to starting point. Sure, there are plenty of other spots to explore, but museums always top my travel to-do list. The Togo National Museum was no exception.
Before I even think about stepping out of my hotel or apartment, I dive into Google reviews. It’s become a ritual of mine. I know opinions can be all over the place, especially when it comes to historical sites, but I’m mainly looking for the basics: entrance fees, location, and a few insider tips. This particular search proved incredibly useful in pinpointing the exact spot of the museum. Plus, reading some of the wilder reviews always adds a bit of pre-visit excitement!
How can you get to the Togo National Museum?
The Togo National Museum is tucked away in a two-room section within the grand Palais de Congres (National Congress) building. Pro tip: tell your taxi or motorbike driver to drop you at the Congress Palace for the easiest route.
When I arrived, I hopped out and approached the police officers standing guard at the entrance. Channeling my inner adventurer, I asked for directions to the museum. One officer, with a twinkle in his eye, decided to play tour guide. He led me to the back, giving me the kind of clear directions that made me feel like I was on a secret mission. It was as if I was being granted exclusive access to a hidden treasure, and in a way, I suppose I was!
Entrance and Fee
As soon as I arrived at the main entrance, I was greeted by an enormous A4 paper stuck on the glass, proudly displaying the prices for nationals and foreigners. With a dramatic flair, I handed over my 1500 francs ($2.50) and was ceremoniously granted entry by a polite male attendant, who looked like he’d just walked out of a friendly village postcard.
The middle-aged man flashed me a warm Togolese smile, the kind I’d grown accustomed to during my time around town. It was the smile that said, “Welcome, friend! Also, good luck finding your way around here.” He graciously pointed me towards the areas I could explore, but with a twinkle in his eye, he added that taking photos required an additional payment. I half expected him to pull out a wizard’s hat and wand, charging extra for “magic photo privileges.”
What is Inside the Togo National Museum?
In this quirky little museum, artefacts are strewn about on the ground and walls in a rather unconventional fashion. Most of them are safely encased in glass, but the setup still feels like a delightful scavenger hunt gone rogue.
Among the treasures, I found old fetish wooden gods that symbolize the spirituality of the Togolese people, offering a glimpse into beliefs that still thrive today. One section showcased an impressive array of musical instruments, dominated by grand wooden drums that I recognized from our own traditions. It was like stumbling into a backstage pass of a cultural concert!
Then there were the mannequins. Just two of them, but they made quite the pair. Standing proudly, each clad in traditional Togolese outfits, they looked like they were ready to strut down a runway. As an African, I couldn’t help but appreciate the familiar yet stylish designs. It was like meeting distant relatives at a fashion show – comforting and slightly amusing all at once!
What surprised me the most at the Museum?
This museum holds the title of the smallest national museum I’ve visited across nearly 20 countries. It probably mirrors Togo’s status as one of the tiniest countries in West Africa.
In just 20 minutes, I’d toured the entire place. Most items had descriptions no longer than a tweet, so there wasn’t much to linger over. Without an attendant to guide me, I had to play a game of “Guess the Artefact.” Fortunately, some were familiar, like the hoes, which looked just like the ones back home.
The walls were adorned with posters featuring specific items, adding a touch of storytelling to the sparse descriptions. One small room, almost like a semi-basement, was filled with pictures. On the longest wall near the entrance hung large framed photos of ancient colonial masters from Germany and other countries. As I moved along, the photos transitioned to portraits of Togolese nationalists, like a visual timeline of resistance.
What is on the wall?
On the other wall were large frames of Togolese former and current Presidents. It reminded me of the Cameroon National Museum, where a whole wall is dedicated to pictures of national parliamentarians. It’s rare to see statesmen, apart from presidents, getting such recognition.
Though the sheer number of photos was a bit overwhelming, I found it amazing that they acknowledged those who played active roles in their government. It felt like a political yearbook with a touch of national pride!
As if that wasn’t enough, the left wall featured a gorgeous, large map of Togo. The vibrant colors made it impossible to miss and instantly drew me in.
Beneath the staircase, the floor was lined with an array of paintings. Each one burst with bright African colors, creating a lively display that practically danced before my eyes. It felt like stumbling into an impromptu art show right under the stairs!
Conclusion
These and a few other items are hidden in the tiny Togo National Museum. It was a great visit, and I recommend everyone to stop by before leaving Lomé.
To delve deeper into the experiences of other travelers, explore the following reviews on Tripadvisor.
If you want to read about other museums around the world, click on this link.
