The Musée National des Costumes de Grand-Bassam is a museum located in Ivory Coast. It is located in Grand-Bassam, Comoé District. The National Museum of Costume is an impressive colonial styled building which houses a wide array of ancient cultural artifacts and collections from all over the country. The Musée National des Costumes was built as a palace in 1892 by the colonial rulers at the time. In 1981, the first president of Cote d’Ivoire, Felix Houphouet Boigny converted it to a museum. Models of the dresses and customs of the local communities including the kings, chiefs from Korhogo, Boualé and other regions of Cote d’Ivoire are on display in the museum of African Art. You will also be shown the living room, bedroom, bathroom and toilet used the colonial ruler, as well as the emergency escape route (within the building) for the colonial ruler in the event of an uprising or revolt. Cameras are allowed in the building, so be sure to come along to document as much as you can. Just next to the museum of African Art is a small building where visitors can buy souvenirs such as sculptures, paintings, bags and jewelries, among others.

This museum of African Art is not just about costumes or Côte d'Ivoire. It is am African Art museum of the country's history and social anthropology. We had a fascinating and informative visit. Well worth anyone's time yo spend an hour or two here.

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