musée africain de Namur

MusAfrica (formerly the Musée africain de Namur) is a museum in Namur dedicated to the historical, cultural and human ties between Belgium and Central Africa. It occupies the former barracks of the 1st Lancers Regiment in the heart of the city, close to the town hall.

How did the museum come about?

The institution traces its roots to 1912, when the Société d'Études et d'Intérêts Coloniaux, an association of Namur colonists, set up the first version of the museum in the old Grain Exchange building near the town hall. The 1914 bombardments severely damaged the early collections, but the museum was rebuilt and relocated several times over the following decades before finally settling in the former Leopold barracks, also known as the lancers' barracks.

What does the collection contain?

The collection numbers close to 9,000 objects, mostly of Congolese origin: weapons, furniture, everyday items, musical instruments and objects with ritual significance. The pieces are arranged thematically across rooms covering the discovery of Congo, the history of the colony, the African campaigns of the Force Publique during both world wars, missionary activity, and local fauna, flora and African art. Alongside the objects sits an extensive library of roughly 25,000 works, drawn largely from the collections of the Société d'Études Coloniales and dating mainly from the late 19th century through the first half of the 20th.

Why was it renamed MusAfrica?

After five years of extensive renovation and reflection on its mission, the museum reopened on 19 April 2025 under its new name, MusAfrica, across roughly 850 square metres of newly restored space. The new name signals a shift in approach: from a conservatory of objects and documents tied to Belgium's colonial past toward a place that invites a critical look at shared history, open dialogue and a deeper understanding of the relationship between Belgium and Central Africa.

What can visitors find in the renovated building?

The refurbished space includes exhibition rooms, educational areas, multipurpose rooms, a documentation centre and a library. The museum is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, with a lift serving every floor and wide circulation spaces throughout.

Frequently asked questions

Is MusAfrica the same place as the former Musée africain de Namur? Yes, it is the same institution under a new name, following a five-year renovation and a rethink of its programme.

How many objects are in the collection? Around 9,000 items related to biology, art and history, most of them of Congolese origin.

Where exactly is the museum located? In the former barracks of the 1st Lancers Regiment (Leopold barracks) in central Namur, near the town hall.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with reduced mobility? Yes, the building has a lift serving all levels and wide circulation areas.