Art Lovers’ Guide: Must-Visit Galleries in Lagos for a Cultural Feast
In recent years, the art scene in Nigeria has seen major growth, and Lagos has become a bright center for galleries that emphasize contemporary art, traditional crafts, and modernism from the 20th century. Although opportunities and resources for artists remain somewhat limited, many are collaborating to organize their own exhibitions, sell their artwork independently, and use social media to reach a wider audience.
By Asteroid Media
Similar to the city’s music scene, the galleries in Lagos are a reflection of the bright hustle culture that is part of the lives of its residents. These spaces display contemporary artworks from a variety of talented artists such as Joy Labinjo, Umar Rashid, Mary Evans, Dennis Osadebe, and more. In addition, there are eclectic exhibitions presented by artists like Ayanfe Olarinde and Johnson Ocheja, making sure that there is something for every art enthusiast in Lagos. Many of these galleries and exhibitions are free to visit. You are invited to explore.
African Artists Foundation (AAF)
Location: 3B Isiola Oyekan Close, Off Adeleke Adedoyin Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Price: Free entry
The African Artists Foundation (AAF) is located in the upscale Victoria Island neighborhood and is recognized as one of the most well-known galleries in Lagos. Established in 2007 as a non-profit organization, AAF aims to offer both Nigerian and international artists a creative platform. The gallery regularly hosts artist residencies and exhibitions that display emerging African talents, including Ayanfe Olarinde, David Palacios, Johnson Ocheja, Isshaq Ismail, and several others. Beyond its exhibitions and workshops, AAF organizes two major projects each year – the Lagos Photo Festival and the National Art Competition – in support of its mission to are a channel for a new generation of artists.
Omenka Gallery
Location: 24 Modupe Alakija Crescent, Ikoyi 106104, Lagos
Price: Free entry
Omenka was established in 2003 by Nigerian artist and curator Oliver Enwonwu, who is the son of Ben Enwonwu (1917-1994), a prominent modernist in Nigeria during the 20th century. The gallery is located in Enwonwu’s former residence, providing a unique and personal way to engage with the late artist’s creations. In addition to displaying one of the largest collections of Enwonwu’s artwork, Omenka Gallery features a well-curated selection of both emerging and established artists working in various media, such as Abass Kelani, Cedric Nunn, Dominique Zinkpè, Ima Mfon, and Nnenna Okore. Therefore, Omenka is an excellent gateway to understanding Nigerian 20th-century and contemporary art.
Tiwani Contemporary
Location: 13 Elsie Femi Pearse Street, Victoria Island 106104, Lagos
Price: Free entry (Closed Sunday and Monday)
Located on the calm Elsie Femi Pearse Street in Victoria Island, Tiwani Contemporary is a fresh addition to the Lagos art scene, having opened its doors in February 2022. Tiwani is frequently referred to as a ‘diasporic consult’ due to its focus on contemporary artists from the African diaspora, including those from the Global South. The gallery presents Art Connect, an engaging and innovative public program featuring events, panel discussions, and curated projects in partnership with collaborators in London and throughout the UK. The annual program is designed in partnership with The Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, with support from the A.G. Leventis Foundation.
Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA)
Location: Pan-Atlantic University, Km 52 Lekki – Epe Expy, Lagos
Price: Entry from 2,000 NGN / 1.25 USD
YSMA is a privately owned art museum established by Prince Yemisi Shyllon, who is recognized as one of Lagos’s most extensive and varied art collectors. The museum houses over 1,000 artworks from his personal collection, displaying pieces by both well-known artists like Ben Enwonwu and Yusuf Grillo, and emerging talents such as Kelani Abass. Located within Pan-Atlantic University, the museum has evolved into a valuable educational and informative resource for art teachers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike.
Art Twenty One
Location: 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island 106104, Lagos
Price: Entry from 10,000 NGN
Located within Eko Hotel & Suites on Victoria Island, Art Twenty One is a compact gallery focused on contemporary art and design. Since its establishment in 2013, this gallery has promoted discussions about art in Lagos, displaying its works in a more bright and modern setting compared to many nearby galleries. Currently, the gallery is preparing for a new exhibition season and is inviting visitors to explore its exclusive collection displayed in the foyer. This makes it an excellent reason to consider a stay at Eko.
Kó Art Space
Location: Flat 2, 36 Cameron Road, Ikoyi 106104, Lagos
Price: Free entry
Kó was founded by Kavita Chellaram, who is an art collector and the creator of Arthouse Contemporary in Lagos. The gallery is committed to promoting art and encouraging creativity. Kó has a dual mission: it supports prominent Lagos artists from the modern era, such as Ben Enwonwu and Bruce Onobrakpeya, while also honoring both emerging and established contemporary artists throughout Africa and the diaspora, including Peju Alatise, Edozie Anedu, Stephen Tayo, and others. Even though kó is relatively small, it stands out as one of the most bright galleries in Lagos, featuring a unique art deco interior. The gallery’s open layout and large windows create a peaceful and tranquil space for visitors to explore its wide-ranging collection of contemporary art.
Thought Pyramid Art Centre
Location: 96 Norman Williams Street, Ikoyi 106104, Lagos
Price: Free entry
Another noteworthy venue in the city is the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, recognizable by its unique pyramid shape on Norman Williams Street. Besides its striking exterior, Thought Pyramid is a prominent gallery for modern and contemporary art in Lagos. It previously hosted Art X Lagos, which is among the city’s top art exhibitions. Situated in Ikoyi, the gallery displays a diverse range of artists from Africa and the African diaspora. Its mission is to enhance art appreciation among the public by focusing on art education at various levels, catering to both children and adults.
Nike Art Gallery
Location: 2 Oba Yekini Elegushi Road, Lekki Phase I 106104, Lekki
Price: Free entry
One of the biggest and most extensive collections of traditional African art and craft in West Africa is Nike Art Gallery. It has works of sculpture, painting, weaving, quilting, and natural indigo dyeing. Nike Davies Okundaye, an artist and designer, launched the gallery in 2009 with the intention of revitalizing Lagos’s often-ignored craft sector. Nike Art Gallery has grown into an art and textile museum with over 7,000 works in its permanent collection, housed in a spacious four-story structure in Lekki. Additionally, travelers may enroll in Nike’s art classes or attend one of her week-long retreats in Abuja, Kogi state (Ogidi), and Osun state (Osogbo), where they can learn how to weave native textiles like adire and batik.
