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 to arrange a visit.

DRUM Magazine West African Archives

We are pleased to announce the arrival of the DRUM Magazine West African Archives to MOWAA, in partnership with the Bailey African History Archives (BAHA), and with the support of Ford Foundation.

News & Ideas

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How to Build a Museum: Co-Creating Purpose with Young People

15.6.26

Archive Fever II: Stewarding Art Archives in Practice 

22.5.26

MOWAA announces DRUM Magazine West African Archive Loan

22.5.26

March 2026 News Bulletin

26.3.26

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

MOWAA Institute hosts inaugural seminar on West African archaeology

25.9.23

MOWAA Collaborates with Christie’s to raise funds for the MOWAA Campus and Institutional Initiatives

25.9.23

Building Update: The Pavilion’s Progression

16.9.23

Nigeria Announces Its Official Participation in the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale

31.8.23

MOWAA announces partnership with Oxford University’s School of Archaeology

31.8.23

MOWAA hosts secondary school students as they unveil a novel self-curated exhibition

30.8.23

MOWAA Strengthens Focus on Modern and Contemporary Art with Two New Appointments

15.8.23

MOWAA Opens its Doors to the City in Three-Day Educational Fair

15.6.23

MOWAA Listening Sessions

Over the last few months, the Museum of West African Art hosted a series of Listening Sessions across cities and spaces in Nigeria, West Africa and the African diaspora. MOWAA's Listening Sessions give centre stage to the public, where your voice is an integral part of shaping the future of the museum.

Become a Member

Free admission and guest tickets

Supporters-only hours and exhibition previews

Free film screenings

Join today

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. Visits to the museum are by appointment only.

The Atrium

11–11.11.25
10AM-5PM
MOWAA’s inaugural historical collections display, showcasing works spanning three millennia from across West Africa. Visits to the museum are by appointment only.