by Ghislain Zobiyo and Pan Geping
BRUSSELS, May 15 (Xinhua) -- In the run-up to International Museum Day on May 18, the AfricaMuseum in Tervuren, on the outskirts of Brussels, inaugurated recently a new space on racism entitled "Let's talk about racism!"
On this occasion, the museum organized a MuseumTalk on its contribution to racism and anti-racism in Belgian society during the colonial era and after the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Burundi.
This event was part of the celebrations after a five-year renovation of the museum's 125th anniversary -- hence the title "125/5 years."
The AfricaMuseum, also known as the Royal Museum for Central Africa, was established in 1898 with the initial aim of exhibiting the wealth and culture looted by King Leopold II. Today, the museum houses works of art, handicrafts, animal and plant specimens and historical documents from countries such as the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi.
As a tool of colonial propaganda, the institution, once called "the last colonial museum in the world," contributed to the propagation of racist stereotypes. Since renovation work began in 2013, the museum has engaged in critical reflection on the influence of colonialism to address external criticism.
The museum reopened in 2018 after its renovation. It was officially renamed AfricaMuseum and now presents a new approach. It aims to be a space for discussion and reflection on colonial history and its links to racism.
How does one represent a contemporary and decolonized scene from Africa in a museum with a colonial history? The transformation of the Rotunda Room of the AfricaMuseum maybe a good example.
In the past, this room housed 16 sculptures reflecting colonial ideology and propaganda celebrating the Belgians, while at the same time demeaning the Africans. After the renovation, the sculpture of King Leopold II was replaced by works that symbolize the liberation of the Congolese people from the shadow of colonialism and the hope of a better future.
The desire to decolonize the museum is also reflected by other works that offer visitors a new look at the pre-colonial and colonial era and African culture.
In an interview with Xinhua, Bart Ouvry, director general of the AfricaMuseum, said the museum also has other works by contemporary African artists. "We have a partnership with about ten African countries, such as the DRC, Burundi and Rwanda, to conduct joint scientific research and share our professional skills and knowledge."
The museum regularly welcomes schools and students to learn about African history and culture. Educational tools are developed and made available to teachers to teach students about colonial and post-colonial history.
"It was important for us to develop these tools, but I would say that the most important thing is to share our capacities, to share our tools with others, to 'train the trainers'," he said.
The museum also seeks to strengthen its ties with the African diaspora, notably by involving them in its activities, exhibitions and projects, said Ouvry.
"The aim is to create a space where the African diaspora feel represented and valued," he said.
Nevertheless, the decolonization of the museum is a complex and long-term process, which requires continuous efforts and dialogue. It is in this context that the "125/5 years" event takes a critical look at colonial history, questions the past and the role of the museum back then and today, and also in the future.
"Today, it is clear that colonial work is no longer acceptable, certainly from the point of view of our values as they are today. And so we have changed the museum from top to bottom. But in the future, it is clear that we have to go further because society is still changing," said Ouvry.
"What has happened in the last few years with Black Lives Matter has accelerated this process and changed people's minds. It is important to engage in a dialogue, showing Africa as it is today and pointing the way to a better future, for future generations," he said.
