It is a jewel offered by the Korean government via KOICA, whose total cost of the works was $ 21 million. This new high-end building was received Friday, June 14, 2019 by the Congolese side. This, before its official inauguration will take place in November of the current year.
Indeed, begun three years ago (in July 2016) by former President Joseph Kabila accompanied by then Minister of Culture and Arts, Elvis Mutiri Wa Bashara, this masterpiece – both figuré – is the largest project carried out by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Central Africa.
For the management of this museum, 78 Congolese have been trained in museum management in Korea. 73 agents of the Institute of National Museums of Congo (IMNC) will be assigned to the National Museum of the DRC (MNRDC.) On 6,000 m2, this building should include 12,000 objects, or 20% of rooms that houses the National Institute Museum of Congo (INMC) at Mount Ngaliema.
If the work done together with its Congolese partners is satisfactory, the ambassador of the Republic of Korea in the DRC, Kim Kiejoo expresses her wish to see this museum play its role of highlighting the cultural heritage of the DRC.
« While having a unique history, we also experienced colonization. Our cultural heritage shows it well. So this museum has the same objectives as our museums. The museum will highlight the Congolese cultural potential, which is very important », he said.
A preview of the official ceremony of handing this museum to the Congolese side, the Korean Embassy in the DRC and KOICA have invited a group of journalists to discover this achievement of cooperation between Seoul and Kinshasa.
Like any work of art, the MNRDC pleases with its container as its content. This building is adapted to the climate and the environment. Everything has been built to reduce energy consumption as much as possible, by focusing on solar energy. It is truly a passive house, informs the site manager.
Works, art objects classified by type are already being placed in the temporary exhibition hall. There are, in particular, musical instruments classified according to their types. And in the permanent exhibition halls 1 and 2, these are works that put people face challenges. There is the prehistoric man, the different kingdoms and empires that have been right in the Congolese space.
In short, objects that testify to the existence of an organized life, well before the arrival of the white man on Congolese territory. As one can guess, thanks to this museum, Congolese can have references to better assimilate their past, to better address the challenges of the future that is sustainable development.
« We look forward to working with our counterparts at the government and other institutions, including the media », said Kim Kiejoo, wishing the new administration good luck.
As a reminder, it is on the ruins of the former Tembe na Tembe, a saliva of the Protestant cathedral of the centenary, in the heart of the Congolese capital, stands an architectural jewel. This new building will be in a short time the receptacle of the important parts of the history and the Congolese cultural heritage, since the pre-colonial era.
FA / Zoom Eco