Located in Accra, the National Museum of Ghana is the country's oldest and largest museum managed by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB). Originally opened in 1957 by Princess Marina during Ghana's independence celebrations, the museum reopened its doors in 2022 following a multi-year restoration. You will find a vast collection of approximately 10,000 or more objects spanning fine art, archaeology, and ethnography.
As you explore, you can view exhibits focusing on prehistoric Africa, rich Ghanaian culture, and broader African history. Most artifacts originate from Akan commercial mining areas, but the collection also covers West African history, including exhibits added in the 1990s detailing the transatlantic slave trade. Beyond the exhibit halls, the museum facility houses a library, an education hall, and a conservation laboratory.
Architecture enthusiasts will also appreciate the building itself, designed by British architects Denys Lasdun and Lindsay Drake alongside the Gold Coast Public Works Department. Your journey through the museum takes you past a porte cochère and under a low, saucer-shaped aluminum dome featuring a unique ambulatory and saw-toothed concrete window designs. It offers you a focused look into Ghana's cultural heritage.
What to see at National Museum of Ghana
- Vast collection of 10,000+ objects spanning archaeology, ethnography, and fine art
- Exhibits featuring prehistoric Africa, Ghanaian culture, and the transatlantic slave trade
- Historical artifacts predominantly from Akan origin and early West African preservation efforts
- Mid-century architecture featuring a saucer-shaped aluminum dome and saw-toothed window angles
- On-site educational facilities including a dedicated library, education hall, and conservation lab
Visiting tips
Take time to appreciate the unique mid-century modern architecture, including its saucer-shaped aluminum dome and saw-toothed window angles, as you enter through the porte cochère.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
National Museum of Ghana is easy to reach on Accra’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Osu Castle. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Accra travel guide.
See the full Accra travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.