Based on archives long assumed lost, this article tries to provide an insight into the organization of the (Belgian) Congo Museum in Tervuren between 1898 and 1910. Who was in charge of the museum and the scientific institute and how was the division of labour between staff members organized? Answers to these questions are telling of the authority of Leopold II but also reveal the fairly unknown power struggles between staff of the Congo Free State administration. Collaboration and bureaucracy resulted in (un)realized exhibitions, (un)published scientific work, (un)accepted resignations and secret nicknames.