Music Museum

The Ouagadougou Music Museum is a unique venue dedicated to the musical heritage of Burkina Faso and West Africa. It features a remarkable collection of traditional instruments and offers a fascinating glimpse into the musical traditions that shape the lives of Burkinabè communities.

The museum was established to preserve and promote the country’s rich musical heritage, which is threatened by modernization and the risk of being forgotten. It brings together instruments from all regions and ethnic groups of Burkina Faso.

Beyond simply displaying artifacts, the museum regularly organizes demonstrations, workshops, and concerts that allow visitors to experience traditional music firsthand.

Collections and Instruments

Stringed Instruments: Kora, n’goni, dozo n’goni, musical bow, and stringed instruments used by griots and traditional musicians.

Percussion: Djembe, balafon, bendré (Mossi royal drum), tama (underarm drum), dum-dum—at the heart of African music.

Aerophones: Fulani flutes, horns, ritual whistles—wind instruments used during specific ceremonies.

Idiophones: Rattles, bells, metal castanets—instruments that produce sound through their own vibration.

Highlights

Collection: More than 150 traditional instruments

Diversity: All types of instruments represented

Demonstrations: Musicians in residence

Workshops: Introduction to percussion

UNESCO: Contribution to intangible cultural heritage

Practical Information

Hours: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 3 p.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday

Prices: 1,500 FCFA (includes demonstration)

Workshops: By reservation

Shop: Instruments and CDs available