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Manhyia Palace

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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Manhyia Palace, located in Kumasi, is the historic seat of the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti, and serves as the cultural soul of the Ashanti people. The palace was built in 1925 by the British as a residence for King Prempeh I upon his return from nearly three decades of exile in the Seychelles. It was intended to replace the original royal palace destroyed during the Anglo-Ashanti wars and reflects the colonial architectural style of the era. The two-story building served as the official royal residence until 1974, when a newer palace was constructed nearby. Today, the 1925 structure functions as a museum, showcasing a magnificent collection of Ashanti artifacts, including royal regalia, golden weights, and life-size wax figures of past kings. The palace grounds are still used for grand traditional gatherings and durbars, where the king receives dignitaries and his subjects in traditional splendor. As a symbol of enduring indigenous leadership, Manhyia Palace remains one of the most significant historical and cultural landmarks in West Africa.

Location: Ghana
Top sights: Manhyia Palace Museum · Statue of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II · Kwapra Chiefs Palace
Nearby: Bekwai (29 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	28	27	27	26	25	24	24	25	25	26	26
Rain mm	18	48	110	118	163	212	143	83	173	216	87	20

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The palace is open to visitors, particularly the public interior rooms and the courtyard. Guided tours are typically available to experience the rich Ashanti history.

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Typical hours

Visiting hours typically follow daytime schedules, often from morning to late afternoon. Access may be limited on holidays or during ceremonial events.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in most public areas without flash. Respect local rules, especially in sacred spaces.

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Time needed

Allow about one to two hours for the visit. The guided tour typically lasts around 45 minutes, plus time for the courtyard.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the National Cultural Centre in Kumasi or the Okomfo Anokye Sword. Both are nearby and deepen the Ashanti experience.

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Getting there

The palace is located in central Kumasi, easily reachable by taxi or on foot from Kejetia Market. Follow the signs to Manhyia Palace.

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Insider tip

Visit on a Tuesday or Thursday when traditional ceremonies often take place. Check ahead for current events.

Geography

Coordinates

6.70610, -1.61630

Facts

Built in 1925 by the British for King Prempeh I after his exile.
Served as the royal residence of the Asantehene until 1974.
Opened as a museum in 1995 to preserve Ashanti heritage.
Located in the heart of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region.
The museum displays authentic royal stools and golden jewelry.
The palace courtyard hosts the Akwasidae festival every six weeks.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Manhyia Palace<1 km · NExplore →

Baba Yara Stadium2 km · WExplore →

Offin River2 km · NExplore →

Tafo3 km · EExplore →

Yaa Asantewaa Museum13 km · NExplore →

Ashanti Uplands13 km · NExplore →

Nsuta Hills21 km · NEExplore →

Bekwai29 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Manhyia Palace (4)

Manhyia Palace Museum 🏛 museum

Housed in the former residence of the Asantehene, this museum displays life-sized effigies and historical royal regalia of the Ashanti Kingdom.

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Statue of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II 🏺 historical

Standing proudly within the Manhyia Palace grounds, this statue commemorates the enduring legacy of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.

Kwapra Chiefs Palace🏰 castle

Located near the Manhyia Palace, this traditional stronghold functions as the administrative and ceremonial seat of the Kwapra chief.

Pampaso Stool Palace🏰 castle

The Pampaso Stool Palace is a highly sacred traditional building where vital rituals concerning the mystical Golden Stool are enacted.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Whose seat is the Manhyia Palace?

It is the seat of the Asantehene, the King of the Asante people.

Can you visit the palace?

You can visit the Museum located in the old palace building.

What is the Akwasidae festival?

A celebration held every six weeks on a Sunday where the King receives the public.

Is there a dress code?

Modest clothing is required; hats should be removed where appropriate.

Is photography allowed in the museum?

Photography inside the museum galleries is usually prohibited.

Manhyia Palace: where is it located?

Manhyia Palace is located in Ghana.

Manhyia Palace: what is there to see?

Highlights include Manhyia Palace Museum, Statue of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, Kwapra Chiefs Palace.

Manhyia Palace: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

Manhyia Palace: why is it worth visiting?

Manhyia Palace, located in Kumasi, is the historic seat of the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti, and serves as the cultural soul of the Ashanti people.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Manhyia Palace

Best time to visit & climate