The House of African Worlds (MansA)
The Maison des Mondes Africains (MansA) is a Parisian cultural institution dedicated to the valorization of artistic, historical and intellectual expressions from Africa and its diasporas. It acts as a bridge between the continents, welcoming researchers, artists, thinkers and the public around cross-cutting projects combining art, human sciences and citizen engagement. Located in the 12ᵉ arrondissement, it aims to be an open space for meetings, discovery and highlighting little-known stories from the African worlds.
A living place of creation and research
The MansA is not a traditional museum. It combines a research laboratory (archives, symposiums, residencies), an exhibition gallery and a cultural programming space (conferences, screenings, workshops). Its ambition is to make visible the legacies, imaginaries and histories of the African continent and their global extensions. Collaborations with universities, research centers and contemporary artists contribute to the development of new and transdisciplinary projects. The MansA headquarters thus becomes a space for intellectual and artistic production, where inspirations and questions intersect.
Multicultural exhibitions and events
The MansA’s programming is plural and committed. It offers temporary exhibitions dedicated to visual arts, photography, design, digital installations or performance. Each exhibition dialogues with historical, sociological or memorial dimensions. At the same time, MansA organizes conference cycles, meetings with African thinkers, film screenings and participatory workshops. These events reinforce the lively dimension of the place and invite the public to explore a multiple, contemporary and creative Africa.
An architectural jewel in Paris
The building that houses the MansA stands out for its modern structure, designed to accommodate multipurpose exhibitions and collaborative work spaces. Large reception hall, modular rooms, specialized library and projection rooms contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive to listening, dialogue and discovery. The spaces are designed so that art, research and the public can interact freely. The natural light, the generous volumes and the sober design participate in a sensitive experience, where the works and the ideas circulate.
An institution committed to the communities
MansA pays great attention to social openness and to diverse audiences. It offers educational workshops for schools, residencies for emerging artists, and participatory projects involving communities from African diasporas. By collaborating with actors from the local cultural fabric, it anchors its activities in the Parisian urban realities while asserting an international scope. The objective is to deconstruct stereotypes, to transmit invisible narratives and to reveal plural views.
A cultural destination to discover
Located in the 12ᵉ, the MansA is accessible by metro, bus or public transport, and fits perfectly into a cultural circuit of Paris. For those interested in world cultures, contemporary arts or postcolonial dynamics, it offers a unique perspective, often absent from traditional tourist routes. Visiting the MansA means meeting powerful and often committed works, but also participating in a space of dialogue where contemporary Africa is told differently.
Free entrance
Opening hours :
- tuesday to Thursday 14h 19h,
- friday 14h 21h,
- saturday 10h 19h,
- sunday 11h 19h
26 rue Jacques Louvel-Tessier, 75010 Paris
