Point of No Return
About This Museum
People don't come to the Point of No Return for a lighthearted day out; they come to bear witness, to walk in the final footsteps of the countless souls forced from their homeland. The path to the memorial arch, lined with powerful statues representing the Orishas, feels like a pilgrimage in itself. Inside, the silence is heavy, broken only by the sound of your own breath as you confront the brutal history of the transatlantic slave trade. It's a profoundly moving and essential experience that etches itself into your memory.
Collection Highlights
The most impactful exhibits are the simple, devastating artifacts: rusted leg irons and chains laid out on the floor. The series of statues along the Route des Esclaves leading to the ocean is unforgettable, each one telling a part of this harrowing journey.
Visitor Information
It's located just outside Ouidah on the coast; you'll need a taxi or moto-taxi to get there. Wear good shoes for the walk from the museum building down to the beachfront arch.
Architecture & Building
The main building is modern and stark, with clean lines that feel intentionally solemn. The real architectural power is outside—the simple, monumental 'Gate of No Return' arch standing alone on the beach.
Contact & Location
Address: Ouidah, Atlantique, Bénin
Phone: +229 91 56 40 56
