If you’re looking for a way to dive into Lagos’s rich culture and history, visiting its museums is the perfect option. Lagos is home to some of Nigeria’s most impressive museums, featuring everything from contemporary art to pre-colonial history. In this article, we’ve rounded up the top five must-visit museums in Lagos.
1. National Museum Lagos
The National Museum Lagos is the oldest museum in Nigeria and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lagos. Located in the city centre, it features a large collection of Nigerian art, including sculptures, pottery, and traditional textiles. The museum also has a display of artifacts from Nok, Ife, and Benin, showcasing the pre-colonial history of Nigeria.
2. Nike Art Gallery
Nike Art Gallery is a five-story building filled with art, textiles, and crafts made by local Nigerian artists. The gallery is famous for its collection of adire textiles, which are traditionally hand-dyed with indigo. The gallery also features a workshop where visitors can see the artists in action and learn more about the traditional techniques.
3. Omenka Gallery
Omenka Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in the Ikoyi area of Lagos. It features a collection of works from both Nigerian and international artists. The gallery is known for its focus on modern and contemporary African art and has hosted several groundbreaking exhibitions in recent years.
4. Jaekel House
Built-in 1898, Jaekel House is one of the oldest buildings in Nigeria and a prime example of colonial-style tropical architecture. Located within the Nigerian Railway Compound, the building was formerly the residence of the Nigerian railway general manager Francis Jaekel OBE. It now houses archives dating as far back as the 1940s, including personalities, places, and historical events in pre-and post-independent Nigeria, and artifacts of the old Railway Corporation. The building also features a mini-museum and garden revamped in 2010 by Professor John Godwin.
5. Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) is the first university art museum in Nigeria and home to a collection of over 1000 traditional and contemporary artworks donated by Prince Yemisi Shyllon to the Pan Atlantic University. The collection includes a steadily growing number of donations from artists and art collectors, making it a hub for contemporary African art.
If you’re planning a trip to Lagos, visiting these museums is a must to fully immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and history. With something for everyone, from traditional textiles to contemporary art, these museums are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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As an added bonus for reading to the end, we recommend checking out the Bogobiri House, a cultural center that features live music, art exhibitions, and a restaurant serving delicious Nigerian cuisine.
