Fondation Zinsou, Cotonou: Hours, Address, Fondation Zinsou Reviews: 4.5/5
Fondation Zinsou
Fondation Zinsou
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
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9 within 10 kms

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Shopping Malls
Contribute
4.5
86 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
34
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
2
David
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Just visited the foundation today. The museum has been closed since December 2019 and is not planning to be opened anytime soon in Cotonou. The staff here says that theres a museum in Ouida that’s currently open. What’s left of the museum here is just a shop of books and textiles. It also acts as a cafe, although the cafe staff is not very friendly. When I asked if there’s a book about the museum history (since the museum is closed and I came all the way), they pointed me to a book. However, to sit down and read it, they demanded me to buy something to drink at the cafe. Or I could not use the chairs and had to stand. There was no other customer and all seats were empty. In the end, I had to stand there glancing through the book. This experience left a rather bad taste in the mouth and in my few contradictory to what the foundation is about - advocating the art of Africa. For future visitors, may best visit the museum in Ouida.
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
R W
Asheville, United States51 contributions
Jan 2020
Trekked to this place that is often mentioned as a destination in Cotinou. Cab driver didn't know where it was and had to ask numerous times. On arriving found only thing open was the nice gift shop. Thought there were at least some permanent exhibitions but apparently not. Passed library which is some distance removed.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laura S
Bamako, Mali81 contributions
Nov 2019
This is an essential resource for anyone interested in culture or art in Benin. I saw the wax fabric exhibit and the history of Cotonou exhibit, both of which were beautiful and interesting. The guide did an exceptional job of balancing being informative with letting us explore and process on our own. I also enjoyed the shop - perfect for buying unique gifts and a milkshake.
Written 8 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
70ava
1131314776 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
modern, informative, free and good guiding. It was easily worth the 1.5 hours we spent there. Have a look at their shop and furniture covers - extremely colorful
Written 10 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anne K
7 contributions
Nov 2018 • Business
This museum and educational foundation is not to be missed in any trip to Benin. Even if you don’t know anything about contemporary African Art— or, like me, think maybe you secretly don’t even like contemporary art very much, because sometimes it’s so hard to grasp— I entreat you to visit this place! The exhibition guides are so well trained and explain the art in a plain-spoken, very clear and interactive way that is both enlightening and enjoyable. It’s a wonderful place for kids, families, art experts and newcomers to contemporary art alike. I’ve visited art museums around the world and have never seen one quite like this. A super special place.
Written 11 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John F
Casuarina, Australia129 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Fantastic art exhibition space, cafe, gift shop and art room for kids. Enthusiastic guides. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 24 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Patrick E
Lisbon, Portugal137 contributions
Jul 2017
We went to Fondation Zinsou as we passed by it at the street, and it was definitely worth it. A guide took us through the 3 floors of the building, which at our time of visit had an exhibition by a local arrist called Dominique Zinkpè.
Went for a coffee and drink in the attached coffeeshop, which can be recommended as well.
Went for a coffee and drink in the attached coffeeshop, which can be recommended as well.
Written 14 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Daphne K
4 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
I got here cause I was looking for a budget hotel near the embassies and the sea. Really near to the airport too and there's only five planes a day that fly over. I managed to pay 3000 per night cause I stayed five nights. Spent good times talking to Jules, the landlord and the girls of the tailor school right next door. The foundation does a good job, being well visited by eager kids that wash their hands before entering and picking up any books. They had a great Keith Haring exhibition last November and so I spent a good afternoon reading into the African inspiration that Keith drew. No airco but fans. Same as in the budget 'hotel'.
Written 27 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AtravelerAD
Naples, FL145 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Think of the artwork what you will, most would agree Fondation Zinsou is effective in giving African Artist a venue and bringing culture to folks. Our guide was well versed in the artwork and artist with a nice sense of humor. I felt the one and half hours I spent there was well worth the effort. Would recommend if possible.
Written 11 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
joseimfigueira
Geneva, Switzerland305 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
The museum is worthy of a visit. Enjoy some quietness and some west African artists exhibitions. The shop o the top floor sells nice gifts and you can also enjoy good coffee at the coffee-shop on the ground floor.
Written 22 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fondation Zinsou
- Fondation Zinsou is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Hotels near Fondation Zinsou:
- (0.02 km) V Hotel
- (0.25 km) Benin City Center Hotel
- (0.35 km) Benin Royal Hotel
- (0.60 km) Residence Maryka II
- (0.13 km) Bico Residence Saint Jean
- Restaurants near Fondation Zinsou:
- (0.22 km) Chez Maman Benin
- (0.23 km) Le Sorrento
- (0.32 km) Les 3 Mousquetaires
- (0.34 km) Behanzin
- (0.31 km) Carpe Diem Bar A Vins