The Foumban Royal Palace is the seat of the Bamoun sultanate, a dynasty that has ruled continuously since the 14th century. The current building — a large German-colonial-era structure completed around 1917 — replaced earlier wooden structures and was built in a European-influenced style that the sultan at the time, Njoya, found appropriate for his modernising ambitions. It remains an active royal residence: part of the complex is still occupied by the current sultan's family.
The museum occupying the palace's lower floors is the main reason to visit Foumban. The collection spans 18 sultans' reigns and includes carved thrones, copper-inlaid stools, royal masks and regalia, embroidered robes, weapons, and domestic objects. What makes the collection distinctive is that almost everything is genuine — accumulated over centuries in the same family rather than assembled from outside sources. A knowledgeable guide (usually available at the entrance) can explain the significance of individual pieces and the broader history of the Bamoun kingdom.
Admission includes access to the courtyard, where you can see the original structure of the palace before European-style construction began. Allow at least two hours for a proper visit.