Marvel at West African craftsmanship and decorative vessels for the departed at A Life Well Lived: Fantasy Coffins from Ghana permanent exhibit at National Museum of Funeral History (NMFH).
Different cultures pay respect to the departed in various ways and at NMFH, visitors can get a glimpse into how the people of Ghana in West Africa believe their departed transition to the spiritual realm of their ancestors.
In A Life Well Lived: Fantasy Coffins from Ghana, visitors will be amazed at the dozen beautifully carved coffins on display that symbolize a character trait of the deceased, their standing in the community or what they hope to achieve in the afterlife. Coffins in the shape of a canoe, leopard, chicken, crab, eagle, Mercedes Benz (one of the most popular coffin designs in Ghana) and more were created to capture the essence of the departed.
NMFH is home to the largest exhibit of fantasy Ghanaian coffins outside Ghana, and those that are on display at the museum were masterfully sculpted and painted by Ghanian sculptor Kane Quaye.
Explore or learn more about A Life Well Lived: Fantasy Coffins from Ghana permanent exhibit, plan your in-person visit, or take a virtual tour.
More About the National Museum of Funeral History
Founded in 1992 and boasting America’s largest collection of authentic historical funeral service items in 17 permanent exhibits, the National Museum of Funeral History (NMFH) is an exploration of history, science, and culture.
Visitors can learn about hearses through history, caskets and coffins, plus the funerals of U.S. Presidents and Catholic Popes, celebrities and the history of embalming and cremation while you witness the cultural heritage of the funeral service industry and its time-honored tradition of compassion.
Open seven days a week, excluding major holidays, the museum is a testament to the cultural heritage of the funeral service industry and its time-honored tradition of compassion.
Explore and learn more about the National Museum of Funeral History, plan your in-person visit, or take a virtual tour.
A Life Well Lived: Fantasy Coffins from Ghana at National Museum of Funeral History
- Days & Times: Monday through Friday 10am to 4pm; Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday noon to 5pm
- Location: National Museum of Funeral History, 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, TX 77090
- Phone: 281-876-3063
- Admission: Included with museum admission, which is $10 for ages 12 and older; $9 for ages 65 and up; $7 for ages 6 to 11; free for ages 5 and under. Order museum entry tickets in advance or learn more.
Learn about the National Museum of Funeral History in our eight-part series highlighting some of visitors’ favorite exhibits in the museum’s permanent collection.
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