News

Togo turns ex-colonial palace into flagship art centre

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:13 pm

Togo on Friday opened a flagship art centre in the former seat of colonial power after a multi-million dollar refurbishment aimed at making it a major cultural draw in West Africa.
Built over a century ago, the Palais de Lome was home to both French and German colonial rulers until becoming the residence of the Togolese presidency – but was abandoned in the early 1990’s.
Togo’s government commissioned architects in 2014 to renovate the palace, venerated as a treasured historic monument in the tiny West African nation, which is seeking to attract visitors and boost tourism.
“For the first time in its history, this place where power was exercised will be open to the general public so that they can discover its rich historical, cultural and environmental heritage,” the palace director, Sonia Lawson said.
The palace’s impressive architecture within an 11-hectare park, offers an array of tropical trees and over forty species of birds.
The palace “will serve as a place for exhibitions, shows, art galleries and restaurants,” Lawson said, exhibiting the works of artists and designers from Togo and across the continent.

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko wins historic election victory

Senegal's ruling Pastef party has won a resounding victory in the legislative elections, taking130 of the 165 seats in parliament,…

November 22, 2024

Famine Risk Reaches Critical Levels as FoodCrisis Deepens In Gaza

Gaza’s hunger crisis is not only statistic, but a set of narratives such as Yasmin Eid, amother of six, who…

November 22, 2024

Kenya Launches Official Probe intoUgandan Leader’s Alleged Kidnapping

The government of Kenya announced that it is looking into the suspected kidnapping ofKizza Besigye, a well-known opposition politician from…

November 22, 2024

At least 7 members of the Nigerian security forces are missing after insurgentsambushed their convoy

A team of 80 security agents tasked with protecting the electricity grid was ambushed onMonday in Shiroro, Niger State, by…

November 21, 2024

Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum inAfrica Amid Global Shifts in Trump’sElection

Cryptocurrency becomes the new thing in Africa. People shift for stable alternatives aftertheir unstable local currencies. Many people believe Donald…

November 21, 2024

UAE Delivers Lifeline: 30,000 Food BasketsBring Hope to Sudanese Refugees in Uganda

UAE has also distributed 30,000 food baskets to Sudanese refugees in Kiryandongo refugeecamp Uganda to benefit nearly 100,000 affected people.Aid…

November 21, 2024

This website uses cookies.