The Grand Rotunda of the Royal Museum for Central Africa: RE/STORE

The Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium, was founded in 1898 and inaugurated in 1910. Its current building is characterized by colonial propaganda, including racist stereotypes in the grand rotunda. Between 2013 and 2018, the museum underwent a major renovation to decolonize the building, involving members of the African diaspora in Belgium. Congolese artist Aimé Mpané was chosen to create an installation in the rotunda in 2018, titled New breath, or Burgeoning Congo. Public reaction helped the museum realize that it needed to go further. The RE/STORE project, a permanent installation of transparent veils with contemporary messages, was proposed by Mpané and Belgian artist Jean Pierre Müller. This book is a compilation of texts about the rotunda's history and the RE/STORE project, providing a full catalogue of the installations, sculptures, and veils.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2023
Publisher: BAI NV

The Royal Museum for Central Africa, situated in Tervuren, Belgium, traces its origins back to 1898, but it was only in 1910 that its current building was inaugurated. This museum is distinguished by numerous symbols that reflect the colonial propaganda of its time. One notable feature is the grand rotunda, designed as the museum's entrance, which houses a series of statues that exemplify fundamentally racist stereotypes.

Between 2013 and 2018, the RMCA underwent a significant renovation project aimed at decolonizing a legally protected listed building. This renovation presented a major challenge as the removal of the colonial statues was not permitted. However, the museum sought innovative solutions to address this issue. By inviting contemporary African artists to create installations that dialogue, contrast, and discuss with colonial messages, the museum aimed to challenge and redefine the museum's narrative.

In 2018, Congolese artist Aimé Mpané was chosen to create an installation titled "New Breath" or "Burgeoning Congo" in the rotunda. The public's reaction to this installation was instrumental in prompting the AfricaMuseum to take further action. Alongside the creation of a second sculpture by Aimé Mpané in collaboration with Belgian artist Jean Pierre Müller, the museum proposed the "RE/STORE" project. This project involved the installation of transparent veils, each bearing a contemporary message, in front of every statue in the rotunda. The themes addressed in these veils interact with the viewer in a powerful and eloquent manner, fostering a deeper understanding of the museum's history and its statues.

This richly illustrated book serves as a compilation of texts written by renowned experts on the history of the rotunda and its statues. It also provides a semantic and artistic analysis of the "RE/STORE" project, offering a comprehensive catalog of the installations and sculptures. By delving into the complexities of colonialism, racism, and decolonization, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the representation of African cultures and histories in museums.

Dimension: 265 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789085868378