The future museum of contemporary art, "La Termitière", located at Lieu Unik d'Abomey in Benin, has received a significant donation of 160 African sculptures from Italian artist and art collector, Giordano Garuti. The sculptures were unveiled on October 30, 2026, by Dominique Zinkpè, promoter of Lieu Unik d'Abomey, in the presence of local authorities and traditional leaders. The collection includes rare pieces such as ancestor statues, ritual masks, and sculpted sanctuary doors.
The sculptures were collected by Giordano Garuti during his exploration missions to various African countries, including Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire. This generous donation aims to enrich the artistic and cultural environment of Lieu Unik d'Abomey, a space dedicated to artist meetings, art diffusion, and public awareness of various creative forms. The donation reflects Giordano Garuti's commitment to African art and his desire to contribute to the preservation and transmission of this cultural heritage.
According to Dominique Zinkpè, the sculptures carry stories, symbols, and imaginary and spiritual elements that testify to different expressions of African thought, spirituality, traditions, and relationships with the world. Each sculpture is considered a presence, a memory, and a word shaped by the artist's or artisan's hand, inviting people to relook at their history and explore the connections between generations.
The logistical and transportation aspects of the donation were handled by Constant Adonon, who successfully ensured the safe arrival of the fragile artworks in Benin, thanks to the involvement of the Ministry of Culture authorities. The mayor of Abomey, Franck Kpassassi, expressed gratitude to Dominique Zinkpè for choosing Abomey as the location for this cultural project, highlighting the importance of culture as a development lever.
Yassine Lassissi emphasized that this donation aligns with the government's vision since 2016 to promote arts, culture, and heritage as a driving force for economic development. The unveiling of the sculptures marks the beginning of a documentation process to preserve the history and significance of each piece.
The donation has been hailed as a significant cultural event, with many stakeholders acknowledging the importance of preserving and promoting African cultural heritage. The "La Termitière" museum is expected to become a major cultural hub, showcasing the richness and diversity of African art and culture.
The future museum will provide a platform for artists, art enthusiasts, and the general public to engage with African art and culture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the continent's rich cultural heritage. The donation of the 160 sculptures is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of African art and culture in the global cultural landscape.
Key points
- Italian artist Giordano Garuti donates 160 African sculptures to the future "La Termitière" museum at Lieu Unik d'Abomey in Benin.
- The sculptures were collected during Giordano Garuti's exploration missions to various African countries.
- The donation aims to enrich the artistic and cultural environment of Lieu Unik d'Abomey and promote African cultural heritage.
