National Museum of Burkina Faso

The National Museum of Burkina Faso, located in Ouagadougou, is the country’s most important museum. Founded in 1962, it preserves and displays the most significant collections of Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage, covering archaeology, ethnography, and history.

The museum’s collections include archaeological artifacts dating back several millennia, traditional masks and sculptures, musical instruments, textiles, ritual objects, and items from the daily lives of the country’s various ethnic groups.

The museum plays an essential role in preserving and passing on Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage to new generations and international visitors.

Main Collections

Archaeology: Chipped stone tools, ancient pottery, and metallurgical artifacts attesting to human occupation since prehistoric times.

Ethnography: Ritual masks of the Bobo, Bwa, Mossi, and Lobi peoples; traditional costumes; everyday objects; wood and bronze sculptures.

History: Documents and artifacts chronicling the history of the Mossi kingdoms, the colonial period, and Burkina Faso’s independence.

Highlights

Collections: More than 6,000 objects

Diversity: All ethnic groups represented

History: From prehistory to the present day

Masks: An exceptional collection

Education: Educational programs

Practical Information

Hours: 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday

Admission: 1,000 CFA francs (adults), 500 CFA francs (students)

Guided Tours: Available upon request