Things to Do at Musée da Silva

Musée Da Silva occupies the former home of Francisco Félix de Souza, a Brazilian slave trader whose mansion became a museum showcasing Afro-Brazilian cultural connections. Built in 1835, the museum's rooms contain photographs, documents, and personal artifacts that trace the complex relationships between Brazil and Benin through centuries of trade and cultural exchange. The highlight is da Silva's original bedroom, where carved wooden furniture and Portuguese tiles create an atmosphere of colonial wealth built on human suffering. Admission costs CFA 2,000 (about $3.20) and includes a guided tour in French, though the visual displays speak volumes even without translation. Visit during the cooler morning hours when the thick stone walls keep the interior comfortable and you can properly absorb the weight of this troubling but important history.

The museum sits in central Porto-Novo. If you're coming from Cotonou, shared taxis run regularly and take about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Easy to find. Once in Porto-Novo, motorcycle taxis can get you to the museum quickly, though the city center is quite walkable. The building is well-marked. Locals know it well enough to give directions-most other major attractions in the old quarter are within walking distance.