Fondation Zinsou

The Fondation Zinsou was set up in 2005 by a Beninese family to show contemporary African art in Africa rather than only in Europe, and it runs a free exhibition space in Cotonou along with a museum at Ouidah in a restored colonial villa, the first contemporary art museum in the country. Admission has been free from the start, on the argument that a paying museum would not reach the audience it was built for. A sculpture garden and an education programme for schools operate alongside the exhibition spaces, and both have run since the foundation's early years.

The main sights

• The Cotonou space - the free exhibition venue in the city.
• The Ouidah museum - the collection in a restored colonial villa.
• The free admission - a policy held to since the foundation opened in 2005.
• The contemporary focus - African artists shown on the continent rather than abroad.

When to go

Year round; exhibitions change through the year. Both venues close on some days. Check what is showing before travelling.

Before you go

Exhibitions change and the spaces close between them. The Ouidah museum is a drive from Cotonou. Opening hours are limited.

Nearby

Cotonou's centre is around it, and Ouidah is west.

Key facts