Welcome to MOWAA

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is dedicated to the preservation of heritage, expansion of knowledge and celebration of West African arts and culture.

Opens on 11 November

Monday
CLOSED
Tuesday
CLOSED
Wednesday
10am-5pm
Thursday
10am-5pm
Friday
10am-5pm
Saturday
12-5pm
Sunday
12-5pm
Plan your visit

Opening Week

11–15.11.25
We’re excited to welcome you to the Museum of West African Art as we open our doors for the very first time on Tuesday 11 November 2025 from 12PM. The Museum is open to all.

Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming

11–11.11.25
10AM-5PM
First presented at the 60th Venice Arts Biennale as the second-ever Nigeria Pavilion, this landmark exhibition returns in an expanded form at MOWAA in Benin City.

The Atrium

11–11.11.25
10AM-5PM
MOWAA’s inaugural historical collections display, showcasing works spanning three millennia from across West Africa.

Become a Member

Free admission and guest tickets

Supporters-only hours and exhibition previews

Free film screenings

Much more

Join today

News & Ideas

Discover more →

October News Bulletin

1.11.25

Museum in the Making

10.10.25

MOWAA launches partnership with the Embassy of France in Nigeria  

25.6.25

MOWAA Receives $3 Million Grant From Mellon Foundation

24.6.25

MOWAA announces inaugural Artist Council

24.6.25

June Bulletin

1.6.25

MOWAA signs groundbreaking agreements with NGA and CBAAC

3.4.25

Press

Why Benin City Belongs On Every Culturally Curious Traveller’s Bucket List.

VOGUE

Making the Museum of West African Art.

The Republic

How to make a new museum in Nigeria

Apollo Magazine

Nigeria seeks to restore pride in its artefacts, ancient and modern.

The Economist

Cutting-edge labs, a rainforest gallery and guesthouse.

The Guardian

In the Nigeria Pavilion, criticism meets optimism.

New York Times

A la Biennale de Venise, douze pays africains battent pavillon.

Le Monde

The Best Places to Go in Africa in 2025.

Condé Nast Traveller

The 10 Best National Pavilions at the 2024 Venice Biennale.

Artsy

2025 Travel Destinations: 52 Places to Go This Year.

New York Times

Beyond the Giardini and the Arsenale: five Venice Biennale shows across the city to catch now.

Financial Times

8 Hits of the Venice Biennale.

New York Times

Why Benin City Belongs On Every Culturally Curious Traveller’s Bucket List.

VOGUE

Making the Museum of West African Art.

The Republic

How to make a new museum in Nigeria

Apollo Magazine

Nigeria seeks to restore pride in its artefacts, ancient and modern.

The Economist