The Palais de Lomé a pioneering venue in Africa
Once the headquarters of former colonial powers, the Palais de Lomé and its spacious park will open to the public for the first time in their 121-year history, as a spectacular exhibition, design, visual and performing arts venue without parallel in West Africa. Right at the heart of the city, facing the Atlantic Ocean, the Palais de Lomé and its park will boast an exhibition space, a bookshop, a boutique and two restaurants in addition to facilities for musical, dance and theatrical performances.
The renewal of the Palais de Lomé
The Palais de Lomé was formerly known as the Palace of the Governors. It took seven years to build (1898 – 1905) and housed the German, then French, colonial powers. After Independence, till 1970, the Palais became the headquarters of the Togolese government. From 1976 – 91, the building was « Palais des Hôtes de Marque de la République Togolaise » (Palace of distinguished guests of the Togolese Republic) before becoming the Prime Ministerial headquarters. For the last two decades it has been empty and closed to the general public.
The renovation and transformation of the former Palace of Governors is part of the current national policy for the rehabilitation of Togo’s historic heritage. This major new cultural development for Togo and West Africa has been funded with support of the Togolese State. It is part of an initiative by the Togolese Head of State, His Excellency Mr. Faure E. Gnassingbé, to open up the derelict space to the public, allowing the Togolese people to reclaim and reimagine this heritage for the future.
Thus, for the first time in its history, the former Palace of Governors, once banned and from which power was exercised, will be returned to Lomé and its people. This colonial palace breaks with its past of exclusion, to present the best of the creation of Togo and Africa. The opening to the public of this symbolic heritage is undoubtedly a strong historical act.
Once a symbol of colonial power, the Palais de Lomé will now:
- Showcase the dynamism, culture and creativity of a modern country (in the arts, food, sciences and technology);
- Preserve an area of outstanding natural beauty;
- Act as a place of inspiration and experimentation;
- Provide a place of learning for future generations;
- Be a valuable cultural and economic asset, attracting tourism.
A multifaceted art and culture centre
The Palais will feature a permanent gallery space devoted to the story of the city of Lomé and its future. There will be an ambitious programme of changing exhibitions of international importance. The opening exhibition «Togo of the Kings», an immersive and interactive deep dive into the history of Togo, will explore the country’s role in the region.
The ground floor of the Palais will showcase the very best of contemporary Togolese and West African design, the first space devoted to exhibiting design in West Africa. The opening exhibition is dedicated to the ground-breaking Togolese designer Kossi Aguessy, whose work features in the permanent collections of The Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA) and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
© Galerie Vallois
Alongside the temporary exhibitions and permanent galleries, exciting new commissions and installations from contemporary design and sculptural talent will be displayed in the grounds of the Palais. The outdoor area will provide a spectacular backdrop to an inspirational season of performance, theatre, dance and music from regional and international artists and musicians.
The park offers a peaceful and educative oasis for visitors in the centre of Lomé, displaying the biodiversity of the different landscapes in Togo. Covering over 25 acres and stretching down to the Atlantic coast, it provides a vital habitat for flora and fauna to flourish under tropical trees which are centuries old.
In addition to a space for learning about and preserving plants important in traditional medicine or dyeing textiles, there will be both a beehive and an observatory to enjoy the 40 species of birds found in the park.
A centre open to everyone
“The Palais will celebrate the notable contribution Togolese and West Africans have made and continue to make to the world of creativity, educating and inspiring visitors from all over the world.»
Sonia Lawson, Director of Palais de Lomé
The restaurant will source local ingredients and showcase a cuisine inspired by West Africa. Work by emerging designers and creative collaborations with master craftsmen from the region will be available in the Boutique du Palais. The Palais will also have dynamic learning spaces and workshops for visitors, students, artists and designers of all ages and backgrounds.
Sonia Lawson, Director of Palais de Lomé, said: «The centre will kick start a vital cultural conversation in Lomé, Togo, West Africa and beyond, by showing the special role creativity plays in people’s lives here – whether that be artistic, scientific or technological.”
