National Museum Lagos | Lagos

The National Museum Lagos is one of Nigeria’s foremost museums, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, history, and artistic traditions. It serves as an educational and cultural resource, helping preserve Nigeria's past while offering an engaging experience for visitors. Here’s detailed information about the museum:

1. History and Establishment

Founded: The museum was established in 1957, originally known as the National Museum of Nigerian Art.

Location: The museum is located in Onikan, Lagos Island, one of the most significant cultural districts in Lagos.

Founder: The museum was initiated by Kenneth Murray, a British archaeologist and the first curator of the museum. He was instrumental in collecting many of the early artifacts, especially those from the ancient Nok civilization.

Purpose: The museum was set up to preserve Nigeria’s ancient artifacts and to provide a space for cultural and historical learning for the public. Its collection spans ancient, medieval, and contemporary periods, with special emphasis on Nigerian heritage.

2. Architecture

The museum is housed in a two-story building, combining traditional Nigerian architectural elements with colonial-era design influences.

Onikan, where the museum is situated, is historically important, being one of the oldest districts in Lagos, rich in culture and history.

3. Key Exhibitions and Collections

The National Museum Lagos has one of the most comprehensive collections of artifacts in Nigeria. The exhibits are divided into several sections, showcasing various periods, cultures, and artistic traditions of Nigeria.

a. Prehistoric and Ancient Artifacts

Nok Terracotta Figures: Dating back to between 900 BC and 200 BC, the Nok culture is known for its terracotta sculptures, which are some of the earliest examples of African sculpture. These pieces are among the oldest evidence of advanced African civilization.

Benin Bronzes: A collection of exquisite metal plaques and sculptures from the Kingdom of Benin, dating from the 13th century onwards. These bronzes, which adorned the Benin Palace, depict royal figures, animals, and scenes from the kingdom’s history. They are famous for their artistry and fine detail.

Igbo-Ukwu Bronzes: The museum has a variety of intricate bronze objects from the Igbo-Ukwu archaeological site, which dates back to the 9th century. The collection includes ceremonial items and tools that demonstrate the advanced metalworking skills of the Igbo people.

b. Ethnographic Collections

Masks and Sculptures: These are traditional art pieces used in various cultural ceremonies, such as the Ekpo and Gẹlẹdẹ masks of the southeastern and southwestern Nigerian ethnic groups. These masks are used in festivals, masquerades, and rites of passage.

Musical Instruments: The museum showcases traditional instruments from different parts of Nigeria, including the Talking Drum, Shekere, Oja, and various percussion instruments, which are central to Nigerian cultural expressions.

Ceremonial Regalia and Textiles: Traditional attire such as the Akwete cloth (a woven textile from the Igbo people), ceremonial crowns, and regalia used by royalty and religious leaders can be seen in this collection.

c. Contemporary Nigerian Art

The museum houses a section dedicated to contemporary Nigerian art, displaying works by prominent artists, including:

Bruce Onobrakpeya: A renowned Nigerian painter and printmaker known for his unique approach to art, blending traditional African themes with modern techniques.

Nike Davies-Okundaye: A prominent artist known for her work in textiles, beadwork, and traditional Yoruba art.

The museum has a growing collection of modern art that reflects the evolution of Nigerian culture in the 20th and 21st centuries.

d. Modern History Exhibits

Murtala Mohammed’s Bullet-Riddled Car: This artifact is a powerful historical exhibit. The car, which was used by General Murtala Mohammed, Nigeria’s former Head of State, was riddled with bullets during his assassination attempt in 1976. The car symbolizes a pivotal moment in Nigerian political history.

Colonial Era Exhibits: These include documents, photographs, and artifacts from the colonial period of Nigeria’s history, such as the signing of treaties and the early stages of independence.

4. Key Landmarks and Artifacts

Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue: Though not a direct exhibit within the museum, the confluence is a significant cultural landmark in Lokoja, Kogi State, near which the museum’s collection of artifacts from various ethnic groups is celebrated.

Traditional Cultural Artifacts: These include iron and stone tools, religious objects, pottery, and everyday items that were once used by indigenous communities.

Traditional Religious Objects: Various masks and ceremonial objects used in religious rites of the diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria, including the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Efik traditions.

5. Educational and Cultural Programs

The National Museum Lagos is involved in public education and cultural outreach. It hosts:

Workshops: These are conducted to teach visitors about Nigerian art, culture, and history, often for schoolchildren and university students.

Exhibitions: Regular temporary exhibitions are organized, focusing on contemporary Nigerian art, historical artifacts, and important cultural events.

Festivals and Performances: The museum hosts festivals, traditional music performances, and dance showcases.

6. Visiting Information

Location: The National Museum Lagos is located at 11 Military Street, Onikan, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Visiting Hours: The museum is generally open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. It may also be open on weekends or during special events.

Entry Fees: The museum charges a small entrance fee for visitors, with reduced rates for students and groups.

7. Significance

The National Museum Lagos plays a crucial role in preserving Nigeria’s national heritage, offering an invaluable resource for research, education, and tourism.

It serves as a cultural bridge for visitors to explore Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions and histories.

The museum not only attracts local visitors but also international tourists interested in African history, art, and culture.