Algiers' Museums
The Bardo Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography does not merely house interesting pieces of history, the building has a story to tell as well. It may have been a museum since 1930, but it was built at the end of the 18th century as the country residence of a Tunisian prince exiled in Algiers. After being refurbished, restored and expanded over hundreds of years, it now depicts Arab-Moslem architecture from the 18th century.
From a country home to a museum, it still has courtyard with a cooling central pool with beautiful gardens, but inside the fossils reside with a collection of Neolithic pottery and stones. There are also rock carvings and paintings of horses and chariots from the Tassili-n-Ajer region. The ethnography section boasts urban artefacts and the Islamic Art collection in the Huessin Palace is a precious mix of medieval Islamic potterry, jewelry and samples from sacred texts. These artworks are characterised by finely wrought arabesques and intricate geometric patterns in wood, stucco and brass. Algerians have artistic talent in their rendering of images, famous persons and their coin inscriptions and the Arabic language is prominent in many displayed items.
The Bardo National Museum features older artworks, tombs and treasures rescued from the soil, while the National Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions has more modern artworks and you could travel through time on a visit between the museums. Your cultural tour through the times will give you a good insight into the religion, history and culture of Algeria.
