Belgium confronts ugly colonial past, but African museum renovations don't please everyone
The Royal Museum for Central Africa opened here in 1897 to celebrate Belgium’s new colonial triumph — the creation of the Congo Free State by King Leopold II.
“We were still showing the Belgium view of Africa before independence,” said the museum director, Guido Gryseels. Much else has barely changed. The “Crocodile Room,” a wood-paneled space reminiscent of a 19th century European world’s fair, features animal specimens preserved in jars and insect samples pinned to white boards.
Many want to overhaul the history curriculum in schools, rename streets and squares and remove statues of King Leopold II from public spaces. The same month, attendees at an “Afrohouse” party held at the Royal Museum wore blackface and leopard print costumes. Gryseels said the party organizers were not affiliated with the museum, which has since changed its policy on who can rent out space.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
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