Welcome to Lagos, a city with thriving and irresistible art scenes and an eclectic mix of cultures. Lagos is home to some of the best art galleries in Nigeria as they showcase the works of talented artists from all over the country and beyond.
For art lovers and collectors, Lagos offers a unique opportunity to discover hidden treasures and purchase original artworks from emerging and established artists.
In this piece, you’d learn why you should visit Art Galleries in Lagos, the top-rated art galleries to buy art within Lagos State, and where you can find exceptional pieces that reflect the colorful artistic expressions and cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, Lagos has exciting perks in store for you. Now, let’s explore the vibrant art world of Lagos and discover its hidden treasures together!
Why Visit Art Galleries in Lagos?
In recent years, Nigerian art has gained increasing recognition and exposure both at the domestic and international levels.
Many Nigerian artists such as Ben Enwonwu, Nike Okundaye, and Peju Alatise have gained a global following for their innovative and thought-provoking works which are inspired by the richness of African art and culture.
From paintbrush strokes to graphite lines and art installations. There is a sense that art evokes that is difficult to describe
No doubt, art is alive and breathing. Artistic expression in Lagos has risen steadily over the past few years due to a greater understanding of the priceless value of exquisite works of art.
New artists are exploding onto the scene and the art market in Lagos is expanding swiftly and opening the doors of business for African culture.
Going further, Nigerian art is a rich and diverse expression of the country’s cultural heritage and history through bold artistry and daring artists with high-quality works.
It encompasses various styles and mediums including paintings, textiles, pottery, beaded jewelry, hand-woven bags, carvings to metal sculptures, African wood sculptures, hand-crafted carvings, different cultural accessories, artwork to wood carvings, and many more.
Overall, the art of Nigeria is a testament to the creativity, ingenuity, and cultural richness of the country’s people, and continues to play a vital role in shaping the national identity and heritage of Nigeria.
Elegant galleries host weekly exhibition centers of the highest caliber displaying amazing items thereby, creating the ideal viewing experience for art lovers with amazing receptions. If you’re an art enthusiast or would like to purchase a piece for yourself, you must visit these Ten fascinating galleries with incredible items.
Top Art Galleries to Buy Artworks Within Lagos State
John Randle Centre of Yoruba History and Culture
The John Randle Centre of Yoruba History and Culture is a center dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture and heritage. It is located in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria, and was founded in 1994 by Chief John Randle, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and cultural enthusiast.
The center houses a wide collection of artifacts, books, and documents related to the Yoruba people and their rich history and culture. The collection includes traditional Yoruba clothing, artwork, musical instruments, and ceremonial objects. Visitors to the center can view these items, learn about their significance and explore the history of the Yoruba people.
The center also offers various educational programs and activities designed to promote the understanding and appreciation of Yoruba culture. These programs include lectures, workshops, and cultural events, as well as outreach activities aimed at schools and other community organizations.
One of the center’s most significant accomplishments is the development of a Yoruba dictionary, which has been widely praised for its accuracy and comprehensiveness. The dictionary contains over 20,000 entries and is an essential resource for anyone interested in the Yoruba language and culture.
Overall, the John Randle Centre of Yoruba History and Culture plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in learning about this vibrant culture and its history.
Nike Centre For Art And Culture
The Nike Art Gallery is a prominent art center located in Lagos, Nigeria, that showcases a wide range of artwork from visual artists across West Africa. The gallery was founded in 2008 by Nike Davies-Okundaye, a prominent Nigerian artist and textile designer, and is housed in a five-story building in the bustling Lekki neighborhood of Lagos.
The gallery features an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, and other forms of contemporary art, as well as traditional Nigerian and West African art. The artworks on display reflect the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, and visitors to the gallery can experience the diversity and beauty of the region’s art and culture.
The Nike art gallery is also a hub for emerging and established visual artists from across West Africa and exemplary professionalism, providing them with a platform to showcase their impressive artwork and connect with a wider audience. The gallery organizes various exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events throughout the year, providing a space for artists to share their talents and engage with the community.
Additionally available in a store on the gallery grounds are handmade bags, jewelry, textiles, apparel, and accessories.
On-site dancers frequently entertain guests with traditional Yoruba dances and their cultural drums. Some lucky visitors could even have the opportunity to interact with Nike Davies-Okundaye in person.
Terra Kulture
Terra Kulture is a contemporary cultural center located in Victoria Island, Lagos, that showcases a vibrant collection of art from across Nigeria and beyond. The center was founded in 2003 by Bolanle Austen-Peters, a Nigerian lawyer and entrepreneur with a passion for promoting African culture and arts.
Terra Kulture boasts an impressive collection of art and artifacts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, including traditional and contemporary art, textiles, and sculptures. The center also features a theater, a restaurant, a library, and a bookstore, making it a one-stop shop for art and culture lovers.
The contemporary space at Terra Kulture provides a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their works and connect with vibrant art lovers in Lagos and beyond. The center regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events that celebrate Nigerian art and culture and promote artistic expression and creativity.
The center’s art collection is carefully curated to showcase the diversity of Nigerian arts & crafts and its influence on contemporary art in Africa and beyond. The artworks on display at Terra Kulture reflect the vibrancy, creativity, and talent of Nigerian artists and the broader African artistic community.
Overall, Terra Kulture is a significant cultural center and historical shop with the finest collections of art in Lagos that provides a dynamic space for art lovers and creatives to connect, share, and explore the rich and diverse art and culture of Nigeria and Africa.
Alexis Gallery
The Alexis Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Victoria Island, Lagos, that showcases a wide array of art by African artists. The gallery was founded in 2012 by Patty Chidiac-Mastrogiannis, a Lebanese-Nigerian art collector, to provide a platform for emerging and established African artists to showcase their works.
The gallery features a diverse collection of contemporary African art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and mixed media works. The artworks on display at Alexis Gallery reflect the richness and diversity of African art and culture and explore themes such as identity, social issues, and the African experience.
Alexis Galleries is committed to promoting and supporting African artists and regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events that celebrate African art and culture. These events provide an opportunity for artists to showcase their works and engage with a wider audience, and for art lovers to explore and appreciate the breadth and depth of contemporary African art.
The Alexis Gallery also provides a platform for collectors and investors to discover and acquire works by African artists. The gallery works closely with collectors, curators, and institutions to facilitate the acquisition of artworks and to promote African art on the global stage.
Furthermore, the Alexis Gallery is a significant cultural institution in Lagos that plays a vital role in promoting and supporting African artists and showcasing the diversity and richness of African art and culture.
Red Door Art Gallery
The Red Door Gallery gives creatives a place to express themselves without restriction by society. They advocate for “unpredictable art” because collectible and inspirational art is so predictable.
Red Door Art Gallery in Lagos is an adorable gallery that showcases the works of creative artists. One of the unique features of the gallery is the unusual painting style displayed by some of the artists.
The gallery provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their works and express their creativity with the idea that art is a representation of a person’s innermost thoughts,
Red Door Art Gallery is an establishment that specializes in the collection of modern art, primarily from Africa.
The art pieces on display are diverse and include paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and installations. The gallery also hosts events such as art exhibitions, workshops, and talks, providing an opportunity for art enthusiasts to engage with the artists and learn more about their creative processes.
The Red Door Art Gallery was built to display distinctive and intriguing pieces of art. It is an awesome shop for a varied yet distinctive art experience and impressive collection.
This beautiful Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant art scene in Lagos and experiencing the unusual painting styles and other artistic expressions on display.
Henrimoweta African Art Gallery
The Henrimoweta African Art Gallery in Lagos is a cultural shop that features an ultimate form of African art. The gallery showcases an array of amazing stuff that captures the essence of African culture and daily life.
The gallery is home to a vast collection of traditional and contemporary African art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and ceramics.
The artworks on display represent different aspects of African culture, such as traditional beliefs, rituals, and social practices. The gallery is also a hub for African artists to showcase their works and connect with art enthusiasts from around the world.
The Henrimoweta African Art Gallery offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Africa and appreciate the beauty and diversity of African art. Visitors can explore the various exhibits and collections on display, and learn more about the history and significance of the artworks. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a collector, or simply curious about African art, the Henrimoweta African Art Centre is a must-visit destination in Lagos.
Art Twenty one
The art space’s mission is to exhibit and promote contemporary art from across the world as well as to operate as a hub for the exchange of ideas between national and international cultural figures.
Art Twenty One is an art gallery located in Lagos that features contemporary African art, with a particular emphasis on the African landscape, art preference, and everyday structures.
The gallery showcases a wide range of art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and mixed media works that capture the diversity of African landscapes, from lush forests to arid deserts. The art space display highlights the beauty and complexity of the African environment and reflects the artists’ unique perspectives on the African landscape.
Art Twenty One also features art pieces that reflect African art preference, including works that incorporate traditional African motifs and techniques into contemporary art forms.
The gallery provides a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their works and push the boundaries of African art.
Additionally, the gallery features everyday structures as an inspiration for contemporary art. The artists in Art Twenty One’s collection take inspiration from the architecture, infrastructure, and other structures that define everyday life in African cities and rural areas.
Art Twenty One is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring contemporary African art and gaining a deeper appreciation of the beauty and complexity of African landscapes and structures.
MOCA Lagos
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) gallery is an institution dedicated to exhibiting and preserving contemporary art. MOCA focuses on the engagement of art through a fresh perspective and showcasing historical works of art that have had a significant impact on the contemporary art scene.
One of the core goals of MOCA is to promote engagement with art. The museum achieves this through a range of programs and initiatives that encourage visitors to explore, learn, and appreciate contemporary art.
MOCA’s exhibitions feature works from a diverse range of artists, representing a variety of styles, techniques, and mediums.
The museum also offers educational programs, lectures, and workshops that allow visitors to engage more deeply with the art on display.
Another important aspect of MOCA’s mission is to offer a fresh perspective on contemporary art. The museum seeks to showcase works that challenge traditional ideas and push boundaries in terms of technique, subject matter, and style.
MOCA’s exhibitions often highlight emerging artists, providing a platform for their work to be seen by a wider audience.
MOCA also recognizes the importance of historical works of art in shaping the contemporary art space. The museum features exhibitions that showcase important works from the past, examining their impact on the development of contemporary art.
This approach allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the art world and appreciate the ways in which contemporary art is rooted in history.
MOCA plays an important role in art valuation, helping to establish the value of contemporary art and supporting artists and collectors alike.
By showcasing works from a range of artists and providing a platform for emerging talent, MOCA contributes to the ongoing conversation around the value and significance of contemporary art.
Ogirikan Art Gallery
The Ogirikan Art Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria is a renowned destination for African art enthusiasts.
The gallery features a diverse collection of African artworks including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and crafts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the continent.
It is well known for its fantabulous galleries that display an impressive array of contemporary and traditional African art pieces.
In addition to the galleries, the Ogirikan Art Gallery also has an art and craft shop where visitors can purchase unique, handmade pieces from local artists such as hand-painted handicrafts.
This shop is perfect for those looking to take a piece of African culture home with them. The Ogirikan Art Gallery is also committed to promoting cultural practices and traditions through its programming. The gallery hosts regular events and workshops that aim to educate visitors about the cultural significance of African art and the communities that produce it.
Its fantabulous galleries, art and craft shop, and commitment to cultural education make it a unique and enriching experience for visitors.
Omenka Gallery
The Omenka Gallery in Lagos Nigeria is a leading center for contemporary art, with a focus on African life and culture. The gallery features a diverse collection of art pieces that showcase the creativity and diversity of contemporary African art.
The collection of art pieces at Omenka Gallery includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and mixed media works, all of which are carefully curated to provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience.
The gallery is known for its commitment to showcasing emerging and established artists, making it a hub for the art community in Lagos.
The gallery has established itself as a hub for contemporary African art, providing a platform and huge focus for artists to showcase their works and engage with the wider art community.
Its collection of art pieces, safe location, and commitment to promoting emerging artists make it a go-to place and exciting cultural destination in Lagos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much is the Gate Fee for Nike Art Gallery?
The gate fee for the Nike Art Gallery is ₦2,000.00 per person. This includes access to all the exhibition galleries and activities available at the gallery. There may also be additional fees for special events or programs, so please check with the gallery for more information.
How Much Does it Cost to Put on an Art Exhibition in Lagos?
The cost of putting on an art exhibition in Lagos varies depending on the size and scope of the show. Basic setup costs can range from ₦50,000 to more than ₦500,000. Additional fees such as venue rental, artist fees, marketing, and promotion fees may also apply. It is best to consult with a gallery or exhibition organizer to get an accurate cost estimate.
Is There a Way to Exhibit My Artworks Without Going Through a Gallery?
Yes, you can exhibit your artwork without going through a traditional gallery. Many platforms offer opportunities for artists to self-exhibit their work ranging from online galleries and virtual exhibitions to art festivals. Additionally, you may be able to rent a space and organize your own exhibition. However, it is important to do research on any potential platform before exhibiting your artwork.
Are There Any Galleries in Lagos that Offer Free Exhibitions?
Yes, several galleries in Lagos offer free exhibitions. These include the Nike Art Gallery, TeraVista Gallery, and the Lagos State Art Gallery. Some exhibitions may require a nominal fee for admission, but many offer free access for visitors. Please check with each gallery for more information about their policies.
Can I Take Pictures in the Nike Art Gallery?
Yes, you are allowed to take pictures at the Nike Art Gallery. However, flash photography is not permitted, and all visitors must abide by the gallery staff’s rules and regulations. Additionally, filming or recording of any kind is strictly prohibited unless permission is granted in advance
Conclusion
It is not surprising that Lagos is a prominent voice in the world of contemporary art in Nigeria and beyond Africa. The Lagos art scene is undoubtedly one for the books; it is rich and a haven for art enthusiasts.
Lagos has emerged as a key location for the celebration of indigenous artists’ artwork, African cultural acknowledgment, and art festivals in recent years. The art galleries in Lagos are a physical manifestation of this truth; they are structures that house priceless works of African art and historic artifacts.
In Lagos, there are over 25 museums, each with its own style of storytelling. Whether as an art lover, you’re dabbling, or just interested in sightseeing, there’s something for you.
