Coin Bank of Angola

The Museu da Moeda is the cultural heritage located in the province of Luanda, which tells the evolution of Angola's currency from the earliest periods to the present day. It is located across the street from the National Bank of Angola, another of capital city Luanda’s landmarks. Together back dropped by the harborfront, the two buildings exemplify two eras of Angolan architecture: The bubblegum-pink bank nods to the nation’s Portuguese colonial past while the museum reflects the modern aesthetic of local architecture firm Costalopes. The bulk of the Currency Museum was built below Major Saidy Mingas Square, with the aboveground roof doubling as a modern monument in downtown Luanda.

In addition to the information professionals who categorically and telegraphically narrate the beautiful history of the currency in Angola, the Museum also has some framing objects and audiovisual devices that better elucidate visitors about the past and the historical evolution of the currency in Angola, since the Zimbo kwanza.

On one hand, it disposes the museum spaces below ground, becoming more reserved and quiet. On the other, its roof establishes a new urban square that both denotes the museum and enables the celebration of public space, in some way expanding the new public spaces of Luanda’s waterfront.

With 4 800sqm, the museum reveals itself in the irregular stereotomy generated by excavation, with its entry announced by the stairs void and the metallic parasols that generate shadow and urban scale. It includes two exhibition areas (permanent and temporary), complemented by public areas and an auditorium to support learning activities.

The new stone paved urban square generates a subtle topography justified by the bay views and the nearby context, allowing rest, pathways, diverse public equipment and redesigning its central ambition as a public space open to the city and the community life.

Structurally, the Museum comprises a cafeteria with more than 26 m², a cloakroom with 10 m² of storage, 6 toilets and a gift shop with an area of more than 50 m². Through this store, all visitors have the possibility to take some of the Angolan culture home.