This year, Nigeria will be hosting several exciting art exhibitions. So if you’re into art or just exploring new things, 2025 is a great year to witness some really cool Nigerian traditional masterpieces and modern works put on display for the public to appreciate.
Imagine checking out the grand opening of the Museum of West African Art in Benin City—it’s going to be huge! And don’t even get me started on what the next edition of Art X Lagos promises to offer. Let’s look at three upcoming art exhibitions happening in Nigeria that you can check out throughout the year.
Upcoming Art Exhibitions in Nigeria 2025
#1. Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Inaugural Exhibition
The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is set to open the doors of its Institute in three months with an inaugural exhibition. This exhibition is a culmination of years of preparation and collaboration with renowned architects and cultural institutions. The Institute is designed by Adjaye Associates, under the guidance of Ghanaian British architect David Adjaye.
Location and Date: The exhibition will take place at the newly established MOWAA Institute in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. As of the time of writing, the exact dates has not been confirmed but it is reported to hold in May, 2025.
Last year, Condé Nast Traveler recognized MOWAA as one of the best places to visit in 2025. According to the museum’s website, MOWAA aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for preserving heritage, imparting knowledge, and promoting arts and culture.
The museum will feature various galleries, including the Rainforest Gallery, which will host modern and historical artworks. There will also be an Artisans Hall for showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of West African artisans.
#2. Artmiabo International Art Festival (AMIAF) 2025
The fourth edition of Artmiabo International Art Festival is coming soon and it’s themed “Artconomy: Redefining the Global Art Marketplace.” This festival helps to provide a global platform for artists to display their work and connect with art lovers and collectors. This year, the theme focuses on showing how important art is in boosting cultural and economic growth.
Location and Date: The exhibition will be held simultaneously in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria, from April 29 to May 1, 2025.
AMIAF 2025 will feature a curated selection of paintings, sculptures, and installations from emerging and established artists. The festival will also include workshops, art talks, live performances, and interactive art demonstrations.
#3. ART X Lagos
ART X Lagos successfully completed its ninth edition two months ago and is now preparing for the tenth installment. Since its inception, ART X Lagos has served as a major game-changer in the West African art scene. The art fair is known for being a lively event and, according to information provided on the platform’s website, attracts artists and galleries from over 70 countries.
Location and Date: The event will last from November 6th to 9th and is usually held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and digital art. The fair also provides exciting experiences in music, film, design, and other engaging activities like The ART X Prize. This is an annual competition aimed at recognizing and supporting emerging talents in the art world.
Just so you know, the list above doesn’t encompass every exhibition happening in 2025. As more shows are announced, the list will be updated so check back often. Nevertheless, which of the three are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments section below.
