The arts, culture and traditions of Benin will be honored at the musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac from October 26 to 31, 2021.
It is within the framework of the restitution of 26 works to the Republic of Benin, that the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Museum in agreement with the Beninese party organizes the cultural week of Benin.
This includes a set of cultural activities including an exhibition entitled: « BÉNIN, la restitution de 26 trésors royaux d’Abomey » which will present for the first time with an original scenography, all the works that will be returned to the Beninese state.
This exhibition addresses several aspects of the history of the works. It presents from the origin to the future through a precise description of the colonial conflict that favored their departure from Benin while maintaining a trace of their museographic stay and the legal arsenal framing the process of their restitution.
An international scientific colloquium will be launched on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 with an inaugural presentation by Emmanuel Kasarherou, President of the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Museum. This will be followed by debates and exchanges that will take into account the context and the archives related to the restitution.
Addressing then the museographic projects in Benin, different communications will situate the audience on the arrangements made by the Beninese state to receive these jewels and a presentation on: the museum landscape and Beninese heritage that will give his opinion on the contributions of private museums and foundations. Thereafter, it will be offered shows and film screenings in the museum.