Palais de Lomé: Colonial Palace to Cultural Centre
Back to Guides
RouteLomé

Palais de Lomé: Colonial Palace to Cultural Centre

The Palais de Lomé — the former German and French colonial governor's palace — has been transformed into a remarkable cultural centre with contemporary art and the story of Togolese independence

  1. 1

    Palais de Lomé Cultural Center

    The largest colonial building in Togo – a whitewashed palace with waterfront gardens – now houses temporary exhibitions and the national cultural program

  2. 2

    German Colonial History Exhibition

    Togo was Germany's 'model colony' — Palais exhibition documents German administration, resistance leaders and transition to French rule after 1914

  3. 3

    Independence Memorial Square

    In the square outside the former palace, Togolese independence was declared on 27 April 1960 – a national holiday marked by military parade and ceremony

  4. 4

    Contemporary Art Collection

    Togolese and regional contemporary artists exhibit in the palace's former reception room — an interesting collision between colonial architecture and modern African art

  5. 5

    Palace Gardens and Baobabs

    The palace grounds contain ancient pre-colonial baobab trees – their huge trunks and sprawling canopies provide shade for the garden cafe

  6. 6

    Lomé Waterfront Renovation

    The harbor and the water around the palace have been renovated into a promenade — the evening view from the gardens over the Gulf of Guinea is one of Lomé's finest

#history#architecture#culture