The president of the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Museum, Emmanuel Kasarherou, arrived in Cotonou on Wednesday, March 24, on a technical mission through March 28, to advance preparations on the Benin side for the return of the 26 works promised by Paris. Time is running out, as the French deputies have given Benin and Senegal a year to complete the process and restore that work.
The French mission is purely technical. On the program, work sessions and site visits for Quai Branly’s president. For his visit, Benin mobilized ministers, curators and a committee to restore work.
Joint program since 2019
The two countries have been working on a joint program since 2019. And according to our information, there is good news for the Beninese part: Paris would take care of the physical transfer works from the Quai Branly Museum to Cotonou, then finance packaging and insurance
To transport them to Cotonou, the option of commercial flights would be considered.
Another piece of good news, about a hundred images of the 26 works, without rights, will be sold in Benin.
Beninese experts are also expected in Paris for skills transfer. The issue of acclimatization and preservation is essential and will be discussed in detail during the assignment.
Destination Abomey
The works mark a first stop at Portuguese fort Ouidah, he is undergoing major renovations to meet standards.
Final destination: Abomey, at the Museum of the Epic of the Amazons and the Kings of Danhome. According to forecasts, Benin believes it is fully ready to welcome its works in November next year.
