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Da Silva Museum

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Historical site
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Da Silva Museum (Benin)

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The Da Silva Museum in Porto-Novo is a unique venue that brings Benin's Afro-Brazilian history to life. It is housed in a magnificent 19th-century mansion built in the distinct Brazilian architectural style. Established in 1998 by the Da Silva family, the museum celebrates the heritage of the Agudas, descendants of formerly enslaved people who returned to Africa from Brazil. The exhibits display furniture, photographs, clothing, and everyday items that document the cultural exchange between South America and West Africa. Visitors can learn about the architecture, gastronomy, and religious customs introduced by the returnees, which still influence Porto-Novo today. The museum also functions as a cultural center, hosting concerts and various public events. It stands as a symbol of the resilience and cultural rebirth of the African diaspora. Its ornate facade and well-preserved courtyard make it one of the most easy on the eye landmarks in the city.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828282726252525262727
Rain mm213378119174216165931981725520

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Da Silva Museum is a private museum in Porto-Novo that can be visited. The collection documents the history of the Afro-Brazilian community and is housed in a historic building.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, often from 10 AM to 5 PM. Mondays it is usually closed - prior contact is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the exhibition rooms without flash. Please ask for permission before photographing exhibits.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for visiting the museum and the exhibition. Those interested in the building's architecture should allow a bit more time.
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Combine with
Combine the museum visit with a walk through the historic district of Porto-Novo. The Royal Palace and the market of Porto-Novo are also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The museum is located in the center of Porto-Novo and is within walking distance from many hotels. By taxi, you can reach it quickly from anywhere in the city.
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Insider tip
Ask the museum curator about the stories behind the exhibits - they often share fascinating details. A small tip for the guide is appreciated.

Geography

Coordinates
6.47800, 2.62800

Facts

  • Founded in 1998 by the Da Silva family in Porto-Novo
  • The building is a 19th-century mansion in Brazilian style
  • Focuses on the history of the Agudas (returnees from Brazil)
  • Houses a significant collection of antiques and historical photos
  • Acts as a major cultural and events hub for the capital city
  • Showcases the impact of Brazilian architecture on West African culture

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Great Mosque of Porto-NovoGreat Mosque of Porto-Novo<1 km · SEExplore →
Songhai CenterSonghai Center3 km · EExplore →
Porto-Novo LagoonPorto-Novo Lagoon7 km · WExplore →
Sèmè-Kpodji Industrial AreaSèmè-Kpodji Industrial Area12 km · SWExplore →
Ouémé RiverOuémé River16 km · SExplore →
Bird Habitat of Lake NokouéBird Habitat of Lake Nokoué20 km · SExplore →
Lake NokouéLake Nokoué20 km · SExplore →
Festi'Parc CotonouFesti'Parc Cotonou23 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Da Silva Museum (9)

Grande Mosquée de Porto-Novo

Mosque in Porto-Novo, Ouémé, Benin. A major Islamic place of worship in the city.

Kandévié Radio xôkon

Attraction in Porto-Novo, Benin. A site associated with local radio history.

Temple des Zangbétô

Attraction in Porto-Novo, Benin. A temple associated with the Zangbeto tradition.

Voodoo-Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Porto-Novo, Benin. It displays exhibits on Voodoo religion and culture.

Musée Honmè🏛 museum

Museum in Benin. It displays traditional art and historical objects.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Lourdes

Church building in Porto-Novo, Benin. A Catholic cathedral in the city.

Musée Da-Silva🏛 museum

Museum in Benin. It houses a collection on the history and culture of the country.

Espace Ubuntu

Attraction in Porto-Novo, Benin. A space for community and cultural exchange.

Aux enfants du Bénin morts pour la liberté

Monument in Porto-Novo, Benin. It honors the children of Benin who died for freedom.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Da Silva?
The museum belongs to the Da Silva family, descendants of Afro-Brazilian returnees.
What is special about the building?
It is a magnificent example of Afro-Brazilian architecture in Porto-Novo.
Is there a cafe on-site?
There is often a small area for refreshments in the museum courtyard.
Are photos allowed?
Usually yes, for a small additional fee for using a camera.
When is the best time to visit?
In the morning, when it's cooler and the light in the courtyard is best.
Da Silva Museum: where is it located?
Da Silva Museum is located in Benin.
Da Silva Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Grande Mosquée de Porto-Novo, Kandévié Radio xôkon, Temple des Zangbétô.
Da Silva Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Da Silva Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Da Silva Museum in Porto-Novo is a unique venue that brings Benin's Afro-Brazilian history to life.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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History & landmarks

Governor&#39;s Palace — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Governor's Palace
A magnificent colonial building in Porto-Novo that once served as the seat of the French administration.
Charles de Gaulle Bridge — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Charles de Gaulle Bridge
A central bridge in Porto-Novo crossing the lagoon, facilitating traffic between the capital and Cotonou.
National Assembly of Benin — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
National Assembly of Benin
The seat of the Beninese parliament in Porto-Novo, an important symbol of democracy and legislation in the country.
Lenin Square — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Lenin Square
A historic square in the Akpakpa district that commemorates the political roots of modern Benin.
Autonomous Port of Cotonou — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Autonomous Port of Cotonou
The economic heart of Benin and one of West Africa's most important deep-water ports for transit trade.
Bulgaria Square — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Bulgaria Square
A notable plaza in Cotonou that commemorates international cooperation during the socialist era.
Cotonou Airport — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Cotonou Airport
Cadjehoun International Airport is Benin's primary air transport hub, connecting the country to the world.
Friendship Stadium — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Friendship Stadium
The largest stadium in Benin, located in Cotonou, serving as the main venue for national football matches and major cultural events.

Nature

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Porto-Novo Lagoon
The Porto-Novo Lagoon stretches along the capital of Benin, connecting the Ouémé River to the Nigerian border.
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Ouémé River
Benin's longest river, flowing over 500 kilometers and serving as a vital waterway for agriculture, fishing, and regional transport.
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Lake Nokoué
Lake Nokoué is the largest lagoon in Benin, located north of the city of Cotonou.
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Cotonou Lagoon
The Cotonou Lagoon is a waterway connecting Lake Nokoué to the Atlantic Ocean.
Sô River — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Sô River
The Sô is a river in southern Benin that flows parallel to the Ouémé and empties into Lake Nokoué.

More places

Great Mosque of Porto-Novo — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Great Mosque of Porto-Novo
An architectural marvel in Porto-Novo, this mosque features a unique Brazilian-Baroque style, reflecting the return of Afro-Brazilians in…
Ethnographic Museum of Porto-Novo — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Ethnographic Museum of Porto-Novo
A museum showcasing a rich collection of masks, weapons, and everyday objects from Benin's various ethnic groups.
Porto-Novo Botanical Garden — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Porto-Novo Botanical Garden
The Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature is a historic botanical garden in Porto-Novo, featuring ancient trees and sacred Voodoo sites.
Musée Honmè — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Musée Honmè
Formerly the palace of King Toffa, this museum in Porto-Novo offers insight into the royal life and traditions of the Hogbonu kingdom.
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Songhai Center
A world-renowned agro-ecological center in Porto-Novo promoting sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.
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Sèmè-Kpodji Industrial Area
A growing industrial area near the Nigerian border, combining logistics, production, and trade.
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Agonvy Palm Oil Refinery
A significant industrial facility in Agonvy dedicated to the processing of palm fruit into oil, a key export product of Benin.
Rice Fields of the Ouémé Valley — Da Silva Museum (Benin)
Rice Fields of the Ouémé Valley
The fertile floodplains of the Ouémé River, which provide ideal conditions for large-scale rice farming and aquatic agriculture.