MOWAA in Benin City: A Complete Guide to West African Art and Heritage

Mercy Idoko IfunanyaNovember 22, 20250247 views

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City is one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Nigeria today.

The creation of MOWAA aimed to preserve heritage, support artists, advance research, and establish a world-class space that tells West African stories with dignity and depth.

Founded in 2020, MOWAA now stands as a modern campus that brings art, history, archaeology, conservation, learning, and public engagement under one roof.

But its journey has not been quiet. As it opened its doors in 2025, MOWAA drew global attention through its exhibitions, architecture, and even the controversy around its preview events.

This draft explores what MOWAA is, its spaces, leadership, exhibitions, and the conversations surrounding it.

What MOWAA Stands For

Photo: Culture Custodian.

The Museum of West African Art, known as MOWAA, was created with a clear purpose: to protect the past, strengthen the present, and inspire the future of West African creativity.

The idea behind the art museum is simple: West Africa has a deep story to tell, and it deserves a home that honours that story with care, respect, and skill.

MOWAA stands for four main things:

1. Protecting Cultural Heritage

West Africa is home to some of the world’s richest traditions, artworks, and historical objects. Many of these items have been damaged, lost, or removed over time.
MOWAA aims to change that.

It provides a safe space where cultural items can be adequately studied and preserved, ancient materials can be repaired, and younger generations can learn why these objects matter.

2. Supporting Artists Across Generations

MOWAA celebrates both new and established artists. It believes that art should grow, adapt, question, and reflect society.

By bringing together painters, sculptors, filmmakers, textile artists, and digital creators, the museum helps build a stronger creative community.

It provides residency opportunities, exhibition space, exposure to international curators, and a place for artists to experiment without fear.

This ensures that West African art is not stuck in the past but continues to evolve with new voices and ideas.

3. Building Research and Technical Capacity

One of the strongest parts of MOWAA is its focus on research. The museum is home to conservation and material science laboratories, archaeological facilities, and a team of experts studying objects, traditions, and historical practices.

In West Africa, where proper conservation spaces are scarce, this type of museum is unique. MOWAA wants young Nigerians and other West Africans to learn these technical skills locally rather than travel abroad.

4. Creating Public Access and Cultural Confidence

MOWAA is not built only for experts or scholars.

The public can view exhibitions, attend talks, participate in workshops, and connect with their own cultural stories in this space.

By doing this, the museum builds pride, a sense of belonging, and cultural confidence.

5. Telling African Stories From an African Voice

Outsiders shaped African history for many years. MOWAA stands for a different approach: Africans should tell their own stories.

This includes deciding how cultural objects should be displayed, explaining their meanings through local perspectives, and presenting art tourism in ways that align with African realities rather than foreign expectations.

This shift makes MOWAA not just a building but a cultural movement.

Inside the MOWAA Campus

The MOWAA campus was designed to feel like a whole creative world, not just a typical museum building.

Here is a more precise breakdown of what you will find inside the MOWAA campus:

1. The Campus Design and Vision

The entire campus was planned to function like a cultural city. Instead of a single large hall, MOWAA is a network of interconnected spaces, each designed to meet a specific need.

The first building completed, the MOWAA Institute, sets the tone for everything that follows.

The architecture uses:

The architecture incorporates rammed-earth walls, reflecting the soil of Benin City.
Natural airflow that helps reduce heat.
Local materials that blend modern design with traditional building ways.

2. The Galleries and Exhibition Spaces

Photo: We Are MOWAA

MOWAA’s galleries were designed with flexibility in mind. This allows the museum to host a wide range of exhibitions, from ancient artefacts to contemporary digital art.

The galleries have:

tall ceilings,
open rooms for large installations,
controlled lighting for fragile objects,
And spaces for storytelling through video and sound.

These rooms allow artists to experiment and visitors to move easily between pieces.

3. Conservation and Material Science Laboratories

One of the most essential parts of MOWAA is its conservation lab. This space gives specialists the tools to study and protect artworks and historical materials.

Here, experts can:

Repair damaged objects.
Study the materials used in ancient artworks.
Slow down ageing and deterioration,
And train young conservators.

4. Archaeology and Research Spaces

MOWAA also supports archaeological research. Its campus includes offices, storage areas, and excavation equipment.

This helps researchers to study items found during archaeological digs, document cultural discoveries, and train the next generation of archaeologists in the region.

5. Education, Workshops and Learning Rooms

MOWAA is also a place of learning. Schools, young artists, researchers, and community groups can use the learning rooms for workshops, talks, storytelling sessions, film screenings, and training programs.

6. The Auditorium

The 100-seat auditorium is used for public talks, film screenings, panel discussions, lectures, and cultural events.

7. Outdoor Spaces and Rainforest Gardens

The outdoor areas are part of the MOWAA experience. The grounds include the Rainforest Gardens, where more than 2,000 native trees have been planted.

Plans include a Rainforest Gallery built among the trees, creating an outdoor-museum feel.

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Leadership and Governance

A core team leads the Museum of West African Art, focused on culture, research, and community.

Phillip Ihenacho serves as director and executive chair, guiding the museum’s vision and public work. Ore Disu is the director of the MOWAA Institute, which oversees research, education, and public programming.

Charles Le Quesne heads the archaeology and heritage management team, ensuring the scientific care of historical materials.

Kingsley Odigie manages finance and administration, providing operational stability. Osaheni Akpata leads external relations and project partnerships, connecting MOWAA with local and international communities.

Together they steer the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate West African art.

Opening Challenges and Public Reaction

When MOWAA opened its doors for the first time in November 2025, it was meant to be a moment of celebration.

Instead, the museum faced unexpected challenges that drew both local and international attention.

Protests disrupted the preview event, raising questions about cultural authority, heritage stewardship, and the museum’s role in handling West African art.

These events delayed the public opening and sparked conversations about how museums should balance tradition, local voices, and global recognition.

How to Engage With MOWAA

MOWAA is more than a museum to look at; it is a space for people to learn, participate, and connect with West African art and culture.

Here are some ways to engage with MOWAA:

Membership: Join MOWAA to receive benefits such as free admission, guest tickets, and early access to exhibitions.
Visiting Exhibitions: Explore the museum’s galleries, including exhibitions like Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming, to experience West African art in person.
Talks and Workshops: Attend lectures, workshops, and panel discussions featuring artists, curators, and scholars who share insights into art, history, and culture.
Educational Programmes: Students and young creators can participate in educational programmes designed to teach skills in art, research, and heritage conservation.
Supporting the Museum: Contribute to MOWAA’s mission through donations, volunteering, or partnerships that help fund exhibitions, research, and community projects.
Community Engagement: Take part in public events, screenings, and cultural activities that connect visitors directly with West African heritage.

Conclusion

The Museum of West African Art is a place where history, culture, and creativity come alive. MOWAA preserves West Africa’s heritage, supports today’s artists, and inspires the next generation.

Visit MOWAA to see the art, learn the stories, and experience West African culture firsthand. The museum invites you to join its journey, whether you’re a student, artist, or just curious.

FAQs

1. What Is MOWAA?

MOWAA is the Museum of West African Art, a cultural institution in Benin City dedicated to preserving heritage, supporting artists, and promoting research and education in West African art.

2. Who Leads MOWAA?

The museum is led by Phillip Ihenacho, Director; Ore Disu, Director of the MOWAA Institute; Charles Le Quesne, Head of Archaeology and Heritage Management; Kingsley Odigie, Director of Finance and Administration; and Osaheni Akpata, External Relations and Project Lead.

3. What Exhibitions Are Currently On Display?

The leading exhibition at MOWAA is Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming, featuring works by intergenerational Nigerian artists in painting, sculpture, installation, film, and text.

4. Can Visitors Participate in Programmes?

Yes, MOWAA offers educational programmes, workshops, talks, and community events for students, artists, and the general public.

5. How Can I Support or Engage With MOWAA?

You can support MOWAA by becoming a member, donating, volunteering, attending exhibitions, and participating in educational and cultural programmes.