An Art Lover's Guide to the Nigerian National Museum
?Address: Awolowo Rd (opposite Muson Centre), Onikan, Lagos Island
Open Hours: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tel: +23412636005
Gate fee: None
Representing a country overflowing with diverse cultural heritage, the Nigerian National Museum Lagos is the perfect expo of Nigerian history. Showcasing works of art dating back to the pre-independence era, the museum tells the story of Nigeria's journey through years of progressive growth.
History of the Nigerian National Museum
Established in 1957, National Museum Lagos has great collections in archaeology, ethnography and traditional art. The National Museum displays contemporary arts and historical monuments with one of the main attractions at the museum being the galleries dedicated to brasses from Benin City, Nok Terracottas etc. Another gallery dedicated to traditional symbols of power contains carved ivory and a royal host of crowns. The museum also houses the bullet-riddled car in which the country?s former Head of State ? late General Murtala Mohammed ? was assassinated in 1976. The museum is also home to a fine range of intricately decorated calabashes from across Nigeria. The National Museum Lagos has a small crafts village with woodcarvings and other handicrafts for sale at fixed prices; you might also see a demonstration of adire ? cloth-making from Abeokuta.Best Time to Visit The Museum
- The facility opens in the morning and closes in the?late evening. Therefore, anytime during the day is suitable for touring the facility.
- At certain times during the year, the gallery hosts different exhibitions, which presents you with the opportunity to view new and exciting artworks and to also meet a lot of artists first-hand.
How to Get to The Nigerian National Museum
There are taxis on the mainland that can take you to the gallery which is situated on the island. From the mainland, a drive there takes about 45minutes. The gallery home is located Modupe alakija crescent in Ikoyi.Things to do at?The Museum
- Explore the different collections of outstanding art on display in the exhibition room
- Every day, different artists and curators visit the museum to explore and showcase art, giving you the opportunity to link up and broaden your knowledge of art.
- Learn and discover more things you didn?t know about Nigeria.
How Much Will Your Visit to?The Museum Cost?
Admittance into the gallery is free. However, contact the numbers at the top of this article for more information on costs that might occur.Fun Facts about?Nigerian National Museum
- This museum also operates a nonprofit crafts centre, which stocks a good range of batik cloth, woodcarvings, and textiles at fixed prices.
- It consists of an exhibition area and a second space, housing one of the finest collections of the artist?s works.