10 Things to Do in Musée des Arts Africains, Océaniens et Amérindiens Montpellier France
Montpellier, France, is home to one of the world’s most renowned museums of African, Oceanic, and Native American art: the Musée des Arts Africains, Océaniens et Amérindiens. This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the cultural richness of these diverse peoples. Here are 10 things to do in the museum that will leave you with a greater appreciation of the cultures represented.
1. Explore the Permanent Collection: The permanent collection of the Musée des Arts Africains, Océaniens et Amérindiens is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of its kind in the world. Spanning centuries of artistic expression, the collection includes masks, sculptures, textiles, jewelry, and other artifacts from all corners of the African continent, as well as from the Pacific Islands and the Americas.
2. Attend a Special Exhibition: The museum often hosts special exhibitions that highlight particular cultures or themes. Recent exhibitions have explored the art of the Dogon people of Mali, the traditional tattoos of the Maori people of New Zealand, and the ritual objects of the Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest.
3. Take a Guided Tour: The museum offers guided tours in both French and English that provide an in-depth look at the collection and its many facets. The tours are led by knowledgeable museum guides and offer visitors the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the art and cultures represented in the museum.
4. Participate in a Workshop: The museum also offers a variety of workshops that allow visitors to get a hands-on experience with the art and culture of the African, Oceanic, and Native American peoples. Workshops range from mask-making to drumming and dancing.
5. See a Performance: The museum regularly hosts performances of traditional music and dance from the cultures represented in the collection. These performances offer visitors a unique way to experience the art and culture of the African, Oceanic, and Native American peoples.
6. Visit the Gift Shop: The museum’s gift shop offers a wide selection of books, art prints, and other items related to the cultures represented in the collection. It’s a great place to find unique gifts or souvenirs.
7. Take a Break in the Café: The museum’s café is a great place to take a break from exploring the collection. The café serves a variety of light snacks and drinks, as well as traditional African, Oceanic, and Native American dishes.
8. Enjoy the Garden: The museum’s garden is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The garden features a variety of plants and trees native to the African, Oceanic, and Native American cultures represented in the collection.
9. Participate in a Lecture: The museum often hosts lectures and talks by experts on the African, Oceanic, and Native American cultures represented in the collection. These lectures offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about the art and culture of these peoples.
10. Visit the Library: The museum’s library is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the African, Oceanic, and Native American cultures represented in the collection. The library’s collection includes books, magazines, and other materials related to the cultures represented in the museum.
Visiting the Musée des Arts Africains, Océaniens et Amérindiens is a great way to experience the art and culture of the African, Oceanic, and Native American peoples. Whether you’re interested in exploring the permanent collection, attending a special exhibition, or participating in a workshop or lecture, there’s something for everyone at this world-renowned museum.