AfricaMuseum in Tervuren Reopens with Decolonized Narrative

The AfricaMuseum, located in Tervuren, Belgium, has reopened following extensive renovations aimed at redefining its permanent exhibition to distance itself from its colonial history. Established in 1897 for the Brussels International Exposition, it was formerly known as the Royal Museum of the Belgian Congo. Under the leadership of Director General Guido Gryseels, the renovation, designed by Stéphane Beel Architects, introduced a visitor pavilion featuring a reception area, meeting rooms, a shop, and a restaurant. The updated narrative explores topics such as diaspora, biodiversity, and climate change. Additionally, a new Afropea gallery acts as both an exhibition venue and a documentation center for diaspora communities, highlighting linguistic diversity in Central Africa through various media and engaging contemporary artists in the museum's evolution.