Safeguarding Parc M'Ploussé Museum in Bonoua

Côte D'Ivoire

The Parc M’Ploussoué Museum in Bonoua is a community-owned ethnographic museum co-managed by the Abouré people, the indigenous population of Bonoua. Its collections showcase the community’s history and customary governance of the South Comoe region, including artefacts and traditions with royal attributes.

Unfortunately, the museum had been repeatedly vandalised, with doors, roofs, and ceilings broken, leaving artefacts damaged or looted. The remaining collections were at risk of more harm and permanent loss due to high humidity, heavy rainfall, water infiltration, and further theft.

With €25,225 in support from CER, ICOM Côte d’Ivoire worked with the Abouré community, customary authorities, and local council of Bonoua to secure and restore the museum. The project repaired the building and roof, installed secure doors and windows, fenced the surrounding park, and repaired or replaced essential display equipment. The collections were inventoried, secured, and prepared for public display.

Community managers, curators, and guardians also received training in museum management, supported by a long-term maintenance plan. Through this locally led response, the project strengthened the community’s capacity to protect its heritage and helped restore the museum as a space for cultural transmission and education.