Goethe-Institut : Le "Nobel de l'architecture" Francis Kéré livre un bijou de 2,6 milliards FCFA
To mark the inauguration of its new headquarters in Dakar, the Goethe-Institut held a special press conference on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at its premises located on Impasse du Musée Senghor. The event was graced by the presence of renowned Burkinabè architect Francis Kéré, the building's designer, whose fame extends far beyond the borders of the African continent. A leading figure in contemporary architecture, he was the first African to receive the prestigious Pritzker Prize, often considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in his field.
The new Goethe-Institut headquarters in Dakar, built with a budget of 4 million euros, aims to be an innovative space at the crossroads of culture, sustainable architecture, and intercultural dialogue. True to the philosophy of architect Kéré, the building showcases architectural solutions adapted to the local climate, favoring sustainable materials and techniques inspired by African know-how.
This unique building embodies both a strategic investment and a strong political will to strengthen cultural, economic and educational ties between Germany and Senegal.
A powerful symbol of Senegalese-German relations
Speaking to the press, the German ambassador to Senegal, Kai Baldow, emphasized the symbolic significance of this infrastructure. "This building represents a major investment. Building here instead of at home is a symbol that underscores the importance Germany places on our relations. It speaks to the character we wish to give to these relations going forward in a spirit of sustainability," he stated.
"In a world marked by friction and conflict, encounters are more important than ever. This place will be dedicated to youth, a cultural competition between peoples that will promote learning, encounters and exchanges," he added.
A cultural platform open to the city
Present for the occasion, the president of the Goethe-Institut, Dr. Gesche Joost, expressed her delight at the opening, which coincides with the institution's 75th anniversary. The Goethe-Institut is now present in more than 150 countries. She praised the center as "open and vibrant," designed to foster intercultural exchange and promote the German language.
According to Stéphanie Peter, director of the Goethe-Institut Senegal, the new infrastructure will provide an ideal setting for exhibitions, screenings, artistic performances, and debates. "The architecture is the main attraction here. It tells a unique story. We will offer guided tours, and then we will gradually open the library, the auditorium, and the garden," she stated.
Ms. Peter clarified that this center does not mark a break, but rather a continuity in the cultural action carried out in Senegal: "For seven years without a proper place, our programs took place at the Place du Souvenir, the Léopold Sédar Senghor Museum, the Museum of Black Civilizations... We wish to continue in this path of collaboration with local institutions.
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