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. Visits to MOWAA are by appointment only. Please contact info@wearemowaa.org.

Listening Sessions

Over the coming months, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) will host a series of Listening sessions across cities and spaces in Nigeria, West Africa and the African diaspora.

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The Atrium

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

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.

Become a Member

Free admission and guest tickets

Supporters-only hours and exhibition previews

Free film screenings

Join today

News & Ideas

Discover more →

MOWAA announces Listening Sessions

15.3.26

Looking Forward: 2026 with the Museum of West African Art

17.2.26

Press Statement 10 November 2025

10.11.25

Statement from MOWAA on Preview Day Disruptions

9.11.25

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