National Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, Algiers

The National Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions (MNATP) in Algiers is a treasure trove of Algeria's cultural heritage, housed in the historic Dar Khedaoudj el Amia palace in the lower Kasbah. Believed to date back to the 16th or 18th century, the palace has a rich history of ownership and transformation before becoming a museum on September 29, 1987, by decree.

Built around 1570 by Ramdane Pasha, the palace passed through notable owners, including Michel Cohen Bacri and Hassan Khaznadji, who gifted it to his daughter Khedaoudj. After Algeria's 1830 French conquest, it became Algiers' first town hall, undergoing modifications, including one in 1860 for Empress Eugénie's visit. It was transformed into the Museum of Popular Arts in 1961 and designated a national museum in 1987.

The National Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions celebrates Algeria's traditional and rural heritage with over 2,000 artifacts showcasing the country's artisanal craftsmanship. Highlights include traditional clothing, jewelry, carpets, pottery, and silver-ornamented furniture from diverse regions, alongside intricate works in goldsmithing, ceramics, and embroidery. Ethnographic artifacts and a collection of ornate mirrors, including one tied to Princess Khedaoudj’s story, further enrich the experience. Complementing these treasures is a photographic archive of over 20,000 images, offering a vivid glimpse into Algeria’s cultural and historical legacy.

Through its exhibits, the museum not only preserves Algeria's artisanal traditions but also offers visitors an immersive journey into the daily life and aesthetic expressions of its diverse regions. From M’zab silk weavings to fibulae from Setif and El Bayadh, the museum celebrates the artistry and cultural identity of Algeria.