Africa’s Art Travel Destination

By Rostelie Mavoungou

Discovering the Arts of Nigeria

Following an adventurous exploration of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, let’s take a break and relax in the warm, colorful art of Nigeria. 

In our previous exploration of Nigeria’s artistic life, we talked about the Nike Gallery in Lekki, Lagos, the Terra Kulture Center in Lagos, and the Discovery Museum in Abuja. Today, I will take you on a tour of the best art gallery in the city of Benin in Edo state and then back to the city of Lagos to visit the trendy Lagos art market.

Benin City is the fourth largest city in Nigeria with an estimated population of 1, 972,558.  Benin City is one of the popular tourist destinations in Nigeria. Edo state, the Nigerian state where Edo state is capital is historically rich. Its existence dates back to the 12th century. In the 15th century, the kingdom of Benin prospered because of slaves, ivory, and palm seeds trade.

The languages spoken in Benin City are; English, the official and administrative language, and Edo, which is the indigenous language of Edo people.

Here are some useful sentences you can use during your visit in Benin: 

Ù rú èsé = Thank you; 

Ób’ówie = Good morning;

 Vbèè óye hé? = How are you?

 Òy’ èsé = It is fine, o.k

Keep this in mind when visiting Benin’s vibrant market, called Oba Market, a hub where you can find a variety of goods such as food, clothing, household items, and fabrics.

 Other remarkable places to visit are:

1. the Kada Plaza to entertain your family and friends.
2. The magnificent Benin National Museum, a cultural institution and house of a rich collection of artifacts related to the Benin Kingdom.

And finally, to satisfy your artistic taste, visit

• the Benin Art Gallery.

The Benin Art Gallery is one of the best art galleries in Benin City. Established in 2022 It is a platform rooted in history but passionately focused on the future. The gallery serves as a bridge between time, art, and tradition, preserving the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future. The Gallery possesses a diverse array of artists, each bringing a unique flair, skills, and boundless imagination to the collaborative environment.  Their collection includes remarkable works such as:    “UNTITLED II” by Ebenezer Akinola (2020) ; “DUDU 11” by Ebenezer Akinola (2022);  “REFUGEE” by Uche Okeke (1973);    “FOREST LANDSCAPE” by Uche Okeke (1981) ;”ANIMAL PROCESSION” by Uche Okeke (1986);  “UNTITLED II” by Rufus Ogundele(1994), to name a few.

The gallery provides educational resources for art enthusiasts and visitors, fostering a deeper understanding of Benin’s artistic heritage. It invites everyone to join in the voyage of discovery, where every brushstroke, sculpture, and artifact speaks to the beauty and depth of Benin’s artistry.

After a great view of Benin City, let’s head back to Lagos City, the Center of Excellence a.k.a Lagsidi!

There is no other place than the market to find exceptional, unique, and affordable products. For artistic treasures in Lagos, all roads lead to Jakande Art Market, also known as Lekki Arts and Crafts Market or Oba Elegushi International Market. It is a hidden gem located in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

The market is situated on Oba Elegushi Street, off the Lekki-Epe expressway (between the 4th and 5th roundabouts).

The market consists of well-organized mini stores, with over 60 stores (if not more). These stores sell a wide variety of African arts and crafts, including carvings; metalwork; corals; paintings; pearls; and much more !

Visitors can explore unique home craft pieces, custom furniture, gemstones, and genuine pearls.

Jakande Art Market is a treasure trove of creativity, showcasing the beauty of Nigerian and African art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a curious traveler, this market offers a delightful experience.

Source: www.thebeninartgallery.com ,