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Palais de Lomé: Colonial Palace to Cultural Centre

The Palais de Lomé — the former German and French colonial governor's palace — has been transformed into a remarkable cultural centre with contemporary art and the story of Togolese independence

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1
Palais de Lomé Cultural Center
The largest colonial building in Togo – a whitewashed palace with waterfront gardens – now houses temporary exhibitions and the national cultural program
2
German Colonial History Exhibition
Togo was Germany's 'model colony' — Palais exhibition documents German administration, resistance leaders and transition to French rule after 1914
3
Independence Memorial Square
In the square outside the former palace, Togolese independence was declared on 27 April 1960 – a national holiday marked by military parade and ceremony
4
Contemporary Art Collection
Togolese and regional contemporary artists exhibit in the palace's former reception room — an interesting collision between colonial architecture and modern African art
5
Palace Gardens and Baobabs
The palace grounds contain ancient pre-colonial baobab trees – their huge trunks and sprawling canopies provide shade for the garden cafe
6
Lomé Waterfront Renovation
The harbor and the water around the palace have been renovated into a promenade — the evening view from the gardens over the Gulf of Guinea is one of Lomé's finest