The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has announced that it will officially open the doors of its first public building, the MOWAA Institute, on November 11, 2025.
This marks a major step in the museum’s effort to develop a vibrant cultural hub in Benin City.
The Institute, which spans about 4,500 square metres, is central to MOWAA’s long-term campus plan. It houses facilities for conservation, archaeological research, public programmes and collection storage. This building is the first completed phase of a wider development that will include a Rainforest Gallery, Artist Studios, an Art Guesthouse and an Artisans’ Hall, all expected to be completed by 2028.
Coinciding with the launch is MOWAA’s first major exhibition titled *Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming*. The show will recreate the Nigerian Pavilion from the 60th Venice Biennale and will be curated by Aindrea Emelife. It will feature works by leading Nigerian artists, including Kelani Abass, Modupeola Fadugba, Ngozi-Omeje Ezema and Isaac Emokpae. The exhibition will be open to the public until April 11, 2026, and will run across different venues on the new campus.
As part of efforts to embed artists in its institutional growth, MOWAA has formed its first Artist Council. The group includes notable figures from Africa and the diaspora, such as Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, Michael Armitage, Victor Ehikhamenor, Nengi Omuku, Dr Odun Orimolade and Kaloki Nyamai. Each member will serve a two-year term and contribute to the museum’s programming, exhibition development, mentorship initiatives and artist residencies.
“This is not a ceremonial committee, it is an engine of collective authorship,” said curator Emelife.
MOWAA has also entered a long-term partnership with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). This will allow for the public display of historic Nigerian artefacts through a multi-year lending programme. The collaboration also aims to boost conservation efforts and provide local training opportunities.
Additional backing comes from the French Embassy in Nigeria through a partnership that focuses on cultural preservation, archival training, mobile heritage technology and strengthening creative sector capacity.
“MOWAA is committed to working with others to build a regenerative and interconnected creative ecosystem,” said Ore Disu, Director of the MOWAA Institute.
Set during Nigeria’s annual art season, the Institute’s launch is expected to support ongoing efforts to decentralise access to cultural spaces and establish Benin City as a major destination for both historical and contemporary African art.
