Africa’s Cultural Landmarks: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Partnership
Africa’s Cultural Landmarks film series
Inspired by Africa’s diverse cultural landmarks, this 12-part film series was created by World Monuments Fund (WMF) in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, filmed and directed by award-winning Ethiopian-American artist Sosena Solomon. The result of a years long partnership, some of these films are featured throughout The Met’s Arts of Africa galleries in newly redesigned The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, which reopened on May 31, 2025.
Explore the Series
Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Meet the masonry team responsible for maintaining the Great Zimbabwe complex – one of the most expansive archaeological complexes in Africa. This film features archaeologists who are committed to preserving this monumental site, which is both a regional landmark and a remarkable engineering feat relating to a major African civilization.
Providence Island, Liberia
In 1822, 25,000 formerly enslaved and freeborn Black people arrived at Providence Island from the United States as settlers. These new arrivals were welcomed by the region’s residents. However, in recent history, social tensions have led to the neglect of this important cultural heritage site. This film dives into the significance and symbolism of Providence Island and examines how it could support national reconciliation as an urban park.
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia
The 11 medieval churches of Lalibela were carved directly out of – and into – the rock of this mountainous region. As only priests are allowed to access the churches’ innermost sanctuaries, WMF developed a customized preservation approach training holy fathers in conservation techniques to prevent irreversible loss. Meet the guardianstasked with Lalibela’s protection and explore the enduring significance of these sacred structures.
Asante Traditional Buildings, Ghana
Constructed from mud with thatched roofing, the traditional buildings of the Asante people are vulnerable to the elements. Meet the caretakers reviving historical craftsmanship techniques to rebuild and preserve these sacred structures.
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, Madagascar
Crowned Madagascar’s spiritual capital in the eighteenth century, Ambohimanga remains a popular pilgrimage site for the Malagasy today. This film tracks the history and enduring cultural legacy of Ambohimanga. Hear local historians reflect upon the enduring cultural importance of this site.
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Wamala and Kasubi, Uganda
Step inside the tombs and discover the structural elements crafted by the work of Buganda clans, each represented within the building. The tombs’ organic materials require continual conservation and rebuilding – undertaken by generations dedicated to maintaining these sacred sites. Situated in modern-day Kampala, urbanization has made sourcing the reeds and grasses essential for construction increasingly challenging. Learn how efforts to rebuild the Kasubi Kings Tombs after a devastating fire in 2010 were supported by studying archival documentation and an earlier restoration of a precursor at Wamala.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Nigeria
Visit the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a vibrant center of Yorùbá spirituality and creative expression in southwestern Nigeria, and meet the artists responsible for transferring their traditions to a new generation dedicated to preserving the site’s artistic heritage.
Historic Towns of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara, Tanzania
Along the coast of present-day Tanzania, the ancient port cities of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara thrived as cultural and economic centers during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. This film explores the globally connected sites of historic mosques and palaces that arose in these Indian Ocean island settlements and spotlights diverse initiatives to preserve them for future generations.
Sikien of Koutammakou, Republic of Benin and Togo
On either side of the borders of Togo and the Republic of Benin, small houses dot the savannah landscape. Composed of organic materials, these takienta (plural sikien) houses were built by the Batammariba people since their settlement there in the seventeenth or eighteenth century. The owners of these domestic dwellings reflect on their lifespan in which decay and ruin are cyclical, requiring rebirth and rebuilding. That practice of renewal has become endangered as younger generations are leaving the area, requiring conservation efforts with local artisans working to preserve the vibrant architectural legacy of these houses.
Tsodilo Hills, Botswana
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Botswana’s Tsodilo Hills is one of the most significant rock art sites in the world. In this film, join a local San guide to explore Tsodilo Hills, learn about the San people's stewardship and deep cultural connections to the site, and hear about the significance of this precious resource.
Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray, Ethiopia
The churches of Ethiopia’s Northern Highlands are sanctuaries carved into sandstone cliffs. Built between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries, these churches are purposefully located in inaccessible locations for protection from regional conflicts . Today, this sacred landscape of some 120 rock-hewn churches, and the paintings and artifacts preserved within their walls, are vulnerable to permanent damage. Climb the steep paths and sheer cliffs with local priests to hear about the preservation of these remarkable structures.
Benin City Earthworks and Urban Planning, Nigeria
Between the seventh and fourteenth centuries, defensive earthworks delineating the oba’s, or king’s, royal precinct, and comprising extensive lengths of ramparts and moats, were constructed around Benin City’s perimeter. Originally reaching heights of more than 18 meters and extending 1,200 kilometers, these impressive structures are the second longest man-made structure in the world, after China's Great Wall. Over time, portions of the walls have been dismantled for urban development, sections of the moats have become overgrown, and knowledge of the site's significance has diminished. Join the archaeologists working to advance study of these remarkable feats of urban planning who are advocating for their preservation.
Bronze Casters of Igun Street, Benin City, Nigeria
Meet the specialized artists who continue the tradition of lost-wax casting in an array of royal and commercial works. To this day, Igun Street in Benin City remains renowned as the mercantile center for the Igun Eronmwon (brass-casting) guild.
World Monuments Fund's work at the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has been made possible, in part, by support from Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kimmelman.
World Monuments Fund's work at Great Zimbabwe has been made possible, in part, by support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) and the U.S. Embassy Harare.
World Monuments Fund’s work at Providence Island has been made possible, in part, by support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the U.S. Embassy Monrovia, and the Estate of Margo Leavin.
World Monuments Fund’s work at Lalibela has been made possible, in part, by support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, The J.M. Kaplan Fund, the Janet Wright Ketcham Foundation, and Tianaderrah Foundation / Nellie and Robert Gipson.
World Monuments Fund's work at the Asante Traditional Buildings has been made possible, in part, by support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the U.S. Embassy Accra, and the Watch Committee of World Monuments Fund.
World Monument Fund's work at the Historic Sites of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara has been made possible, in part, by support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) and the U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam.
World Monuments Fund’s work at Koutammakou has been made possible, in part, by support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the U.S. Embassy Cotonou, and American Express.