Louvre Abu Dhabi presents ‘African Museums Today and Tomorrow’, a dynamic symposium in Abu Dhabi.

The event brings together leading voices in the museum world to explore the evolving roles of African museums and their profound impact on society and global cultural dialogues.
This symposium offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how museums can evolve, expand their societal impact, and enhance their contributions to global cultural dialogues.

Highlights
The three-day programme is structured around three key themes, each explored through engaging expert-led discussions:

Day 1: How Can Museums Be Relevant to Society? Delving into the power of inclusive storytelling and the importance of engaging younger generations.
Timings: 9:00am-3:45pm

Day 2: How Museums Impact Surrounding Communities? Addressing responsible collection management and localized research initiatives. Timings: 2:00pm-6:15pm

Day 3: How African Museums Relate to Global Issues? Focusing on contemporary African art practices and the significance of international collaborations.
Timings: 10:00am-5:30pm

Symposium Speakers
The symposium features an impressive roster of thought leaders and distinguished individuals, along with several other prominent speakers, presenting diverse perspectives on the evolving societal relevance of museums across the African continent:

-Bongani Ndhlovu, Executive Director of Iziko Museums in South Africa, discussing how museums can reimagine their narratives. Kojo -Yankah, Founder of the Pan-African Heritage Museum in Ghana, sharing his vision for education and healing through museums.
-E.H. Malick Ndiaye, Director of the Théodore Monod Museum of African Art in Senegal, exploring contemporary activations of heritage collections.
-Henry Bundjoko Banyata, Director of the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo, discussing Contemporary Challenges and Plasticity of Cultures.
-Samuel Sidibé, Director of the National Museum of Mali, focusing on the Reconciling Nature and Culture to Appeal to Young People.
-Hugues Heumen Tchana, Director of the National Museum of Cameroon, addressing the re appropriation of the Heritage and Urban Development in Community Museums.
-Mehdi Qotbi, President of Morocco’s National Foundation for Museums (FNM), discussing Morocco’s heritage in its Continent.
-Hamady Bocoum, Director of the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar and coordinator of the Special Commission on Restitutions of Senegal, focusing on Changing Paradigm in Partnerships.
-Emmanuel Kasarhérou, President of the musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, discussing an EU Project to Change Partnership Patterns.
-Abdulaye Konaté, Contemporary Malian Artist, participating in an insightful Artist Discussion.


Produced in collaboration with France Muséums, this Public event highlights innovative approaches to museum practices and encourages dialogue on shared global challenges.
The symposium is open to museum professionals, academics and the public. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
Register now!