This museum is built to host the early sculptures from Tengenenge, to reflect their history and to honour the sculptors of the first generation. In addition the best contemporary sculptures are shown.
The museum is built on the foundation of the house of the former manager of Tengenenge farm at the edge of Tenegenge. As it is standing on a rock, the museum is the first building to be seen, entering the village. The walls are made from serpentine and springstone, the same stone which the artists make their sculptures from. In the walls forgotten sculptures, dug out from the ground, are integrated in the walls.
The building of the museum took 3 years (2000-2003). The museum was designed and built by the Dutch architect, Geja Stassen.
Funds were raised by sale of sculptures and from gifts (a.o. from African Art Promotion and World Art Foundation, both located in the Netherlands)
The museum was opened on March 3rd, 2003 by the district commissioner and the Netherlands Ambassador. The opening was followed by a party for the over 300 guests with music, dance and food for everybody. Now the museum is open to every visitor of Tengenenge.