MONROVIA, Montserrado – The long-delayed reopening of the National Museum of Liberia has now been scheduled for Wednesday, November 29.
The museum was severely damaged during Liberia’s civil crisis and many items in its collections were damaged or stolen.
Albert Markeh, the museum’s director, had earlier said the museum, which had been closed since April last year for a major renovation, was scheduled to reopen at the end of October this year. However, October arrived, and the museum remained closed.
The museum is housed in one of Monrovia’s oldest buildings, erected in 1843; it was restored, reversing the effect of years of neglect.
A Ministry of Information press statement announcing the opening of the museum notes that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made the reopening a priority.
“Over the last year and a half, the physical structure was restored and the services of Carol J. Alexander, museum specialist, was secured to oversee the design and duration of its reopening exhibitions,†the release read.
The three floors of exhibitions are expected to follow the changes of Liberia’s history, cultures, peoples, and artistic expressions. The new exhibitions are said to have rare and contemporary artifacts, documents, photographs, archival videos, art works, sculptures and installations of a traditional hut and a ‘country kitchen.’
Stories and images of Liberia’s 16 ethnic groups and Americo-Liberian communities will also be featured.
Featured photo by Gbatemah Senah
