Manhyia Palace Museum Attracts More Visitors; 33, 505 Arrivals In 1st Quarter Of 2024

The Manhyia Palace Museum is witnessing an increase in the number of visitors after undergoing a major refurbishment.

Between January and March 2024, total visitors arrivals at the museum was 33,505. This included 29,491 domestic visitors and 4,016 foreign visitors.

The museum curator, Justice Brobbey disclosed his in an interview with the Thunder in Kumasi last week.
He said the number is expected to increase following the display of looted Asante artefects that were returned from the United Kingdom and the USA after 150 years.

New look
On May 1, this year, the museum was officially reopened as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the coronation of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The refurbished facility unveiled 39 royal treasures looted from the Asante Kingdom during the Anglo-Asante wars of the 19th century.

The collections were returned from the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), and the Fowler Museum at the University of California, USA. Among the items is the original Mpomponsuo, a state sword, gold badges of officials who purified the king’s soul, and a gold lute-harp presented by Asantehene Osei Bonsu to British diplomat Thomas Edward Bowdich during an 1817 trade treaty.

Investments
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has heavily invested in the museum in a major modernisation drive. Now there are modern panels displaying collections. CCTV cameras and fires detectors have also been installed. Also, the original building has been extended to contain more collections.

Digitalization
The curator said electronic ticket have been introduced , which allows the prompt recording of receipts. “Very soon we will be launching a virtual tour, which will allow those who cannot come here physically to watch live feed of what is happening here. We will also launch a e-commerce initiative, where goods from our shop can be ordered online,” he said.