The National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Musée National de la République Démocratique du Congo) is a testament to the rich cultural history and diversity of the many ethnic groups and historical periods of the DRC. Nestled in the bustling capital city, Kinshasa, the museum was officially inaugurated in June 2019 by representatives of the DRC and the Republic of Korea. It took the place of the former National Museum in Kinshasa, breathing new life into the preservation and celebration of Congolese heritage.

The construction of the National Museum of DRC was a considerable venture, with the Korean Agency for Cooperation (KOICA) funding the substantial $21 million USD cost. After 33 months of collaborative work between experts from the DRC and the Republic of Korea, the museum was completed. The construction was conscientiously undertaken, keeping modern environmental aspects in mind. They made use of locally available building materials and solar energy, and designed the building for natural air circulation, limiting the use of air conditioning. This project marks the most significant cultural policy investment by South Korea in Central Africa to date.

The museum boasts three public exhibition halls, spanning an impressive 6,000 square meters. These spacious halls can showcase up to 12,000 objects in their cultural context, providing visitors with a holistic understanding of Congolese history and culture. However, due to space constraints, the majority of the holdings of the National Institute of Museums (Institut des Musées Nationaux du Congo) must be stored in depots.

In a departure from the past, when the directorship and scientific cooperation were provided by Belgian scientists from the Africa Museum in Brussels, Congolese experts have now been trained in South Korea. This strategic shift has broadened the international cooperation base for Congolese cultural policymakers, reinforcing the museum's commitment to preserving and promoting Congolese cultural heritage. The National Museum of the DRC serves as a beacon of cultural pride and historical preservation for the people of the DRC and visitors from around the world.

Discover more Museums >