On March 30, 1956, the National Museum moved into a new cemented structure, created by architect Jean-Loup Pivin from traditional Malian designs.

Since the 1992 election of former archaeologist Alpha Oumar Konaré to Mali's presidency, the museum's funding has increased considerably, leaving it among the best in West Africa.

In June 2006, Samuel Sidibé, the director of the National Museum of Mali, signed an agreement of collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).

It built on a memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Culture of Mali and the trust, relating to the conservation of earth architecture.

In addition, the reserve collections of archaeology and textiles will be reorganized, with support to be provided for the construction of a new building for conservation and restoration work.