Royal Palace (Musée Honmé)

Porto-Novo, Benin

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The Royal Palace (Musée Honmé) in Porto-Novo, Benin, is the former residence of the kings of Hogbonou and one of the city’s most important historical and cultural landmarks.

Today, it functions as a museum, preserving the heritage of the royal families of Porto-Novo, particularly that of King Toffa, a prominent ruler of the late nineteenth century. The museum displays royal artifacts, ceremonial objects, photographs, furniture, and other items linked to the kingdom’s history and traditions.

Parts of the palace complex remain sacred and are still used for cultural ceremonies, giving visitors a unique insight into the political, spiritual, and cultural life of Porto-Novo’s monarchy. The palace and its surrounding historic district are also included on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List.