Built before Dakar gained independence (in 1935), the current Douta Seck cultural centre was the palace of the Deputy Governor. It then became the residence of the Council President and afterwards, from 1962 to 1996, it served to welcome guests of the Republic. Converted into a cultural centre in January 1997, it is a new implementation tool for launching Senegal’s cultural policy at a national and international level. Once exterior renovations are completed, it will welcome part of the music contest.