Ghana Museums and Art Galleries

(Ghana, GH, Western Africa)

Whilst many African countries have relatively few museums and galleries, Ghana has a proliferation of small museums devoted to the history and culture of its regions. Located in Accra, the National Museum of Ghana is worth adding to any itinerary and showcases many fascinating aspects of Ghanaian life.

Whilst the capital city of Accra is a good place to start to get to know more about Ghana, it is also worth exploring the museums found elsewhere in the country, from Cape Coast in the south to Bolgatanga in the north.

National Museum of Ghana

Address: Barnes Road, Accra, Ghana, GH, Africa
Tel: +00 233 21 221633
Ghana's oldest cultural attraction of its kind, the National Museum, is the port of call for most visitors to the capital of Accra. Set up in the 1950s, the museum is home to a varied collection of objects relating to the ethnography and culture of this African country, including musical instruments, jewellery and maps.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Museum of Science and Technology

Address: Liberia Road, Accra, Ghana, GH, Africa
Tel: +00 233 21 223663
This national museum is devoted to the display and preservation of natural history specimens found in Ghana. The development of science and technology in the region is also featured heavily amongst the exhibits.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

The WEB Dubois Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture

Address: 1 Circular Road-Cantonments, Ghana, GH, Africa
Tel: +00 233 21 776502
A national historic monument in its own right, the Dubois Centre is primarily a research institution for Pan African history and culture. There is also an onsite museum here, which is open to the public and is dedicated to documenting the life of the influential Du Boises family.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Upper East Regional Museum

Address: Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana, GH, Africa
Tel: +00 233 723327
Ghana's Upper East Regional Museum is based in its main town of Bolgatanga, and was officially opened at the beginning of 1991, by the secretary for the 'National Commission on Culture'. Pottery exhibits and paintings depict life in the region and are traditionally African in style. Also on exhibit are some interesting and rather unusual local musical instruments, clothing and decorated footwear.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Volta Regional Museum

Address: 43 Glama Street, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana, GH, Africa
Tel: +00 233 9126403
Wooden objects, masks, pottery, metal work and contemporary artwork all form part of Volta Regional Museum's collection. Guided tours are also available and offer a useful insight into the various exhibits. Regular pottery workshops provide an appealing further attraction for visiting tourists.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Ussher Fort Museum

Address: Ussher Fort, Accra, Ghana, GH, Africa
Originally one of Accra's European forts, this historic building has since been transformed into a museum. On display is an important collection of items connected with the slave trade, including chains and drinking cups, as well as art depicting various different aspects of the former slave trade history.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Manhyia Palace Museum

Address: Manhyia Palace, Accra, Ghana, GH, Africa
Tel: +00 233 21 221633
Established as a museum only relatively recently, the Manhyia Palace itself was built in 1925 as an Ashanti royal residence. Today, this popular attraction displays traditional African musical instruments, effigies of former rulers and a variety of other Ghanaian and Ashanti-related artefacts. Visitors can purchase quality souvenirs from the craft shop here.
Open hours: daily (including public holidays) - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge