Benin City is set to become a global cultural destination as the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) officially opens to the public on November 11, 2025, with a landmark exhibition titled “Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming.”
This inaugural showcase marks the museum’s first curatorial statement and builds upon the acclaimed Nigeria Pavilion presented at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
In a statement released by Mrs. Wase Aguele-Konu, Head of Communications and Media Relations at MOWAA, the museum’s opening-week programme will be unveiled on Friday via its official website, wearemowaa.org. The event is expected to draw significant interest from Benin City residents, the Edo community, visitors from across Nigeria, the ECOWAS region, and international scholars and tourists.
To foster local engagement, discounted entry rates will be offered to Benin residents and ECOWAS nationals. Aguele-Konu emphasized that MOWAA’s mission goes beyond exhibition—it aims to embed itself within the cultural fabric of Benin through its City Connections Programme, which partners with local artists, cultural practitioners, and entrepreneurs to host workshops and events throughout the city.
The museum has also collaborated with local hotels, food vendors, and transport providers to ensure a seamless experience for visitors during the opening week and beyond.
A highlight of the launch is the unveiling of MOWAA’s Historical Collections Display, featuring artifacts from across West Africa that span over 3,000 years of history. These works include loans from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), private collectors, and partner institutions, with several pieces being shown in Nigeria for the first time.
“This display offers a glimpse into MOWAA’s broader curatorial vision and ethos,” said Aguele-Konu, underscoring the museum’s commitment to preserving and celebrating African heritage.
In September, MOWAA hosted “MOWAA Meets Lagos,” a satellite event that brought together artists and curators to foster collaboration across Nigeria’s creative sector. The museum plans to replicate similar initiatives in other states to promote domestic cultural tourism and strengthen ties with creative communities nationwide.
The museum’s campus also houses the MOWAA Institute, a hub for art conservation, research, and training, which will be open to the media for feature coverage