Senegal, West Africa
Mariam Issoufou Kamara and her team at Αtelier masōmī have revealed the design for Bët-bi, the new museum in Senegal developed by The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation and Le Korsa as a way to connect people through art and to bring visual arts to a population that has limited access to museums and other cultural attractions.
The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Le Korsa develops Bët-bi to connect people through art and to bring visual arts to a population that hasn’t had access to museums before.
Ready to open its doors to the public in early 2025, the new cultural complex will include exhibition space, places for community gatherings, a library, a café, and an area for local artisans to showcase and sell their work.
Bët-bi, which means “the eye” in Wolof, also aims to revitalize the local economy as it will be constructed on a site renowned for its ancient stone megaliths and includes four Unesco World Heritage sites.
The 1000-square-meter project will host exhibition and events spaces, community rooms, and a library, all in an environment that is open and inclusive for all visitors.
The museum plans to have a relatively low-cost construction considering local building traditions and their environmental impact. Bët-bi’s design is an inspiration of the people who have lived and worked in this part of Senegal since the 11th century, and are known for their spiritual connection to the land and natural elements such as the sun, wind, and water.
The museum displays contemporary and historic African art and celebrates the cultures of sub-Saharan Africa.
Temporary space will be dedicated for repatriated African objects, highlighting the return of African art to the continent of its creation.
The constructure team collaborates with local artisans, ensuring that the project offers an exchange of knowledge and expertise by local professionals. The museum also intends to partner with a range of institutions in Africa and overseas to facilitate internship and guest curator programs.
The architect has been selected by a jury from a shortlist of four African architectural firms. She is the founder of atelier masōmī in 2014, in Niger’s capital, Niamey, tackling public, cultural, residential, commercial, and urban design projects.
Project: Bët-bi: Museum and Center for Culture and Community
Architects: Αtelier masōmī
Lead Architect: Mariam Issoufou Kamara
Clients: The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation and Le Korsa
