Art Tourism in Nigeria: Galleries Worth Visiting This Season

Philip SifonNovember 15, 20250310 views

This festive season, Nigeria’s art galleries are inviting travellers beyond the usual concerts and food festivals.

In Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Calabar, galleries are offering more than exhibitions; they are spaces where culture, creativity, and community meet.

In this article, we will explore the top galleries worth visiting during this festive period, what makes each unique, and how they are shaping art tourism in Nigeria.

Top Galleries To Visit This Festive Season

If you’re exploring art tourism in Nigeria this festive season, look beyond Lagos. From Port Harcourt to Enugu and Ibadan, each gallery presents a unique perspective on how Nigerians express their culture through art. These spaces blend creativity and community, proving that the country’s art scene is active in every city.

Here are six Nigerian art galleries worth visiting this festive season.

1. Moriri Gallery, Port Harcourt (Rivers State)

Moriri Gallery is a notable destination for art tourism in Nigeria, featuring paintings, sculptures, and other works by emerging artists from the South-South region. Visitors can meet the artists and see their work up close. During the festive season, you can combine a visit with nearby cultural sites and local food for a complete cultural tourism experience in Nigeria. Moriri Gallery proves that Port Harcourt has more to offer than its usual attractions, placing it firmly on the map of Nigerian art galleries worth exploring.

2. Bona Art Gallery, Enugu (Enugu State)

Bona Art Gallery promotes African heritage and supports new artists from the Southeast. It features paintings, photography, and mixed-media works, often paired with guided tours and artist meet-and-greets.

Visiting in December lets travellers enjoy festive exhibitions, making it a key stop for art tourism in Nigeria. The gallery also offers art lovers in Nigeria the opportunity to discover local creative stories and the region’s burgeoning art scene.

3. Kabara Kreative, Kano (Kano State)

Kabara Kreative showcases carved wood, bronze, and modern art from northern Nigerian artists. It offers visitors a fresh look at art tourism in Nigeria through the region’s unique style. Pairing a visit with Kano’s historical landmarks provides a richer cultural experience and demonstrates how cultural tourism in Nigeria extends beyond southern cities. Kabara Kreative is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore Nigerian art galleries beyond Lagos.

4. Artcolony Gallery, Ibadan (Oyo State)

Art Colony Gallery supports both established and emerging artists, featuring sculptures, paintings, and mixed-media works. It highlights the growing creative scene in southwestern Nigeria beyond Lagos. Visiting both the Bodija and Ajibade branches allows travellers to experience different collections, making it an essential part of art tourism in Nigeria. During the festive season, Artcolony Gallery hosts exhibitions that make it a must-visit for art lovers in Nigeria.

5. Wattcentral Art Gallery, Calabar (Cross River State)

Wattcentral Art Gallery mixes traditional and modern art, often timing exhibitions with local festivals. It is a top destination for Nigerian art during the festive season. Visitors can pair a gallery visit with a trip to the Calabar Carnival Village to enjoy both visual and live cultural experiences. WattCentral showcases how art tourism in Nigeria can seamlessly blend heritage, creativity, and festive celebrations, offering travellers a truly meaningful experience.

6. Kó Art Space, Lagos (Lagos State)

Kó Art Space presents a fresh perspective on contemporary Nigerian and African art, featuring emerging painters, photographers, and installations. Unlike larger Lagos galleries, it focuses on innovation and experimentation, giving visitors a unique art tourism experience in Nigeria. Checking their festive-season exhibitions lets travellers enjoy special events and seasonal openings, making it a must-visit for art lovers in Nigeria and anyone exploring art galleries in Lagos.

Why Art Tourism in Nigeria Matters

During the festive season, travel often focuses on food or concerts, but art tourism in Nigeria offers something more profound: a connection with the country’s creativity and culture.

Galleries across Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Calabar, Enugu, and Port Harcourt showcase the regional diversity of Nigerian art, letting visitors see how history, tradition, and daily life shape creativity.

Art tourism also supports artists, curators, and local galleries, giving visitors a meaningful way to contribute to Nigeria’s creative economy.

It transforms a simple gallery visit into an experience that showcases the variety and richness of the country’s art scene, making it a festive-season activity with genuine cultural impact.

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Travel Tips for Art Lovers

If you plan to enjoy art tourism in Nigeria this festive season, a little planning can make your visits more rewarding. These tips will help you have the best experience, meet new people, and gain insight into the stories behind the art.

Visit Early: Mornings are quieter in most Nigerian art galleries, giving you time to take in each piece and speak with gallery staff without rush.
Confirm Festive Events: Many galleries run special shows or open-house events in December. Check their social media pages or call ahead to avoid missing them.
Attend Artist Sessions: Some galleries host talks and workshops. Joining one helps you understand art tourism in Nigeria beyond just viewing artworks.
Buy Local Artworks: Even small purchases, such as prints, postcards, or crafts, support artists and help keep cultural tourism in Nigeria alive.
Combine with Local Culture: Pair your gallery visits with nearby attractions, street food spots, or music events for a truly immersive experience. It turns a brief visit into a fuller festive experience.
Respect Gallery Rules: Always ask before taking photos or touching any artwork. Respect builds trust and protects artists’ work.

These small steps help you enjoy art tourism in Nigeria while supporting the creative people who make it possible.

Conclusion

Art tourism in Nigeria is growing into something more than weekend visits or photo stops. It’s becoming a way to understand the country through its artists, their stories, and the communities that support them.

Every exhibition, mural, and studio visit contributes to how visitors perceive Nigeria, not just as a destination, but as a vibrant space of creativity and culture.

So, next time you plan a trip, skip the usual sightseeing. Step into a gallery, talk to the artists, and see what Nigeria’s creative scene is really made of. That’s where the real connection begins.

Adventure awaits in every corner of Nigeria — visit our Travel & Tourism category and start your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is Art Tourism In Nigeria?

Art tourism in Nigeria means travelling to experience local art, galleries, murals, and creative spaces that show the country’s culture and story. It connects visitors directly with Nigerian artists and their communities.

2. Which Cities Are Best For Art Tourism In Nigeria?

Top cities include Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Calabar, and Port Harcourt. Each city has its own unique style, from Lagos’ modern galleries to Calabar’s vibrant art spaces, which are rooted in tradition.

3. How Does Art Tourism Help Local Artists?

It creates jobs, visibility, and funding opportunities for artists, curators, and guides. When people visit galleries or buy local art, the entire creative economy grows.

4. Is Art Tourism Popular During the Festive Season?

Yes. Many galleries host exhibitions, live art events, and open studios during the holidays, making it one of the best times to experience art tourism in Nigeria.

5. How Can I Support Art Tourism In Nigeria As A Visitor?

Buy local artwork, attend exhibitions, and share your experience online. Even small actions help sustain Nigeria’s growing creative community.