15 Nigerian Art Galleries and Cultural Hubs to Visit in 2024

Nigeria is renowned for its diverse population, distinct culture and customs, and abundant natural resources. The nation also prospers in sectors like sports and entertainment. Even though the art industry is rarely discussed, Nigeria also thrives.

The mediaeval cities of Ibadan, Edo, and Kano are historically significant and house intriguing museums. However, Lagos must be mentioned when art is mentioned in Nigeria, given its vibrant scene featuring a blend of contemporary and traditional African art.

If you are a fan of travelling, these hubs are sure to satisfy your needs, regardless of your interest. In no particular order, check out these 15 must-visit Nigerian art galleries in this article to fully immerse yourself in the nation’s rich cultural legacy.

1. Dolapo Obat Gallery

The Dolapo Obat Gallery aims to provide a high-quality art gallery to tourists and the inhabitants of Abuja, Nigeria. It serves as a platform for teaching the arts, educating people and stimulating the production of beauty with an eye towards the future.

The gallery’s main offerings are exceptional artwork for sale, a private event venue, exhibition space and studios for rent, and art galleries. Additionally, it features works of contemporary African art, including photos, sculptures, and paintings.

Dolapo Obat founded the gallery at Habiba Plaza, 6 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja. 

2. Nike Art Gallery

The gallery is renowned for its training courses and art classes, which support the preservation and advancement of indigenous Nigerian crafts.

The Nike Art Gallery is a cultural hub that promotes learning and creativity and hosts art exhibitions. It displays a sizable collection of traditional and modern African artwork. 

One of the most prominent art galleries in West Africa, Nike Art Gallery was established by Nike Davies-Okundaye and is situated at Nike Art Gallery Rd, Lekki Phase I, Lagos State.

The gallery, housed in a four-story building, features artwork from numerous artists, including paintings, sculptures, fabrics, and beaded pieces. Observing and buying these distinctive objects allows visitors to learn more about Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy.

The well-known textile designer and artist Nike Davies-Okundaye is committed to supporting regional artists and craftspeople. The gallery’s colourful decor and sizeable collection show her love of art and culture.

3. Oshodi Arts Gallery

This gallery brags about being the best art gallery on the Lagos mainland. It is dedicated to bringing Nigeria’s cultural heritage to life by collecting and displaying artworks that depict and represent African heritage. Oshodi Arts Gallery houses over 17,000 artworks, including sculptures, textiles, woodwork, etc.

In addition to the gallery, they have ultra-modern facilities for ceramics, graphics and animation, textiles and fashion, painting, sculpture, and photography. This is an effort to elevate the standard of art and support Africa’s and Nigeria’s young, gifted artists.

The gallery creates artistic designs that transcend age and personality while considering clients’ preferences and demands.

Located at Plot 115, Oshodi Art Gallery, opposite Nasfat Akasolori, Ikorodu, the gallery was founded by Dr. Oshodi Seyi Paul, a renowned art collector and enthusiast.

4. Nigerian National Museum

The museum was founded in 1957 and now holds collections of artefacts from many ethnic groups in Nigeria. These include sculptures, statues, and displays featuring archaeology and ethnography. An estimated 47,000 pieces make up the collection. However, the initial architectural drawings for the museum were presented at a conference on museum policy in Nigeria in July 1948.

The museum was founded by the English archaeologist Kenneth Murray and is located at Onikan Rd, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

5. Topfat Art Gallery

Topfat Art Gallery, which specialises in Contemporary African Artworks, is well-known in the neighbourhood for the superior level of studio creativity on display. 

The renowned art gallery has fantastic paintings and eye-catching graphic designs. Topfat Art Gallery, situated at 156 Lekan Salami Complex, Adamashingba Road, Ibadan, was founded in 1996 by Tope Fatunmbi, a practising visual artist.

6. Alexis Galleries

With its collection of works by established and up-and-coming artists, the gallery has become a significant player in the community’s art scene. It offers a wide variety of artistic forms and techniques, such as paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works, for guests to view.

The gallery holds regular exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks, allowing artists and art lovers to interact. In addition, Alexis Galleries funds a range of artistic endeavours that seek to develop and recognise local talent.

The gallery, founded by Patty Chidiac-Mastrogiannis, is located at 282 Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

7. Red Door Gallery

The Red Door Gallery’s primary focus is “unpredictable art,” which is not collectable and inspiring. It is dedicated to providing a platform for renowned and aspiring artists to exhibit their creativity free from social constraints with a passion based on the belief that art is the pinnacle of human expression of the most profound thoughts.

To promote African art more widely, Red Door Gallery actively interacts with the worldwide art community by participating in international art fairs. It is at 51 Bishop Oluwole St, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

8. Genesis Art Gallery

Recognised as one of the major tourist destinations in Nigeria, Genesis Art Gallery is focused on wood carvings, paintings, furniture, and printmaking. It represents Nigerian artistic expression and draws tourists from all over the world with its varied collection of works of art, especially its breathtaking wood carvings.

The Genesis Art Gallery was established as a craft shop in Ila-Orangun in 1990 by Yinka Fabayo. It moved to Osogbo in 1996 and was commissioned on September 29, 2000, making it the only art gallery on Station Road in Osogbo, Osun State.

9. Rele Gallery

The gallery offers a venue for avant-garde and thought-provoking artworks to bridge the gap between established and young artists.

The Rele Gallery’s artworks are diverse and include sculptures, installations, paintings, and photos. It regularly holds exhibitions promoting social, political, and cultural themes, fostering viewer interaction and conversation. Exhibitions at the gallery draw a wide range of viewers, including the general public, collectors, and art lovers.

Founded by Adenrele Sonariwo in 2015, Rele Gallery is situated at  32 Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

10. Omenka Gallery

Numerous shows, including recognised and up-and-coming modern African artists, are held at Omenka Gallery.

Many media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, are frequently featured in the gallery’s shows. Apart from organising exhibitions, Omenka Gallery participates in international art fairs and publishes a reputable art magazine with incisive pieces on African art trends and artist biographies.

Oliver Enwonwu founded the gallery, which is situated at 24 Modupe Alakija Cres, Ikoyi, Lagos State, and is part of the broader Ben Enwonwu Foundation.

11. Retro Africa Gallery

Through various artistic platforms, including internet media, art fairs, curated exhibitions, and intercultural conversations, Retro Africa offers a forum for both established and emerging artists. Its main goals are to raise awareness and promote a learning and growing cycle within the African art scene.

The gallery, run by Dolly Kola-Balogun, the artistic director and founder, is at 12 Ukpabi Asika St. in Asokoro, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

12. Terra Kulture

The centre has a restaurant serving Nigerian food, a theatre, an art gallery, and a language school.

Contemporary works by Nigerian artists are on display in Terra Kulture’s art gallery, which gives both established and up-and-coming artists a platform. Its many exhibitions, art fairs, and auctions draw collectors and art enthusiasts. Dance shows, musicals, and dramas are just a few of the live productions in Terra Kulture’s theatre.

Located at Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage St., Victoria Island, Lagos State, the gallery was founded in 2003 by Bolanle Austen-Peters.

13. Quintessence Gallery

The gallery features various artistic creations, such as jewellery, pottery, textiles, paintings, and sculptures. It is a cultural hub where modern and traditional art coexist, and artists can exhibit their works.

Established in 1975, Quintessence Gallery is located at Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

14. Didi Museum

The museum features many traditional and modern artworks to conserve and advance Nigerian art and culture. The Didi Museum has a collection of artefacts from several ethnic groups in Nigeria, such as masks, sculptures, fabrics, and pottery.

Founded by Chief (Dr.) Newton Jibuno in 1983, Didi Museum is at 175 Akin, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

15. Art Twenty-One Gallery

This gallery is a hub for contemporary art in West Africa. Its exhibitions showcase both local and foreign artists. The gallery is renowned for its spacious areas, which facilitate the exhibition of expansive pieces and installations.

Art Twenty One’s mission is to promote modern African art by providing a venue for artists to present their work to a wide audience. It is located at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Conclusion

Each gallery is unique, regardless of location, offering a glimpse of Nigeria’s artistic landscape. These galleries support artistic innovation by developing emerging talents, providing spaces for education, cultural exchange, and community involvement, and displaying breathtaking pieces of art.

They attract people from all walks of life with their exhibitions, workshops, and events, which cultivate a deeper understanding of African and Nigerian art