Located at Onikan on Lagos Island, the Nigerian National Museum offers you a deep journey into Nigeria's diverse heritage. Founded in 1957 by English archaeologist Kenneth Murray to preserve the nation's historical treasures, this national facility underwent a major overhaul reopening in April 2026. The renovation brought structural upgrades, improved power infrastructure, and the digitisation of its extensive collection.
Administered by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the museum holds an estimated 47,000 objects made from wood, ivory, metal, and terracotta. As you explore, you will discover extraordinary archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic exhibits representing Nigeria's varied ethnic groups. Highlights to see include the famous Nok culture Jemaa Head (c.
900 to 200 BC), ancient crowns, Royal regalias, Kingdom of Benin artifacts, and Igbo-Ukwu bronzes. You will also view traditional masks—such as Cross River State masks, Ekpo masks, and Gẹlẹdẹ wooden masks—alongside Egungun costumes, Mumuye figures, and Ikengas wooden figures. The displays feature traditional musical instruments like sansas, fiddles, and flutes, alongside textiles like Akwete cloth, Dakakari grave sculptures, photographs of Nigerian presidents, and fine artworks by renowned Nigerian artists including Ben Enwonwu and Bruce Onobrakpeya.
What to see at Nigerian National Museum, Lagos
- View the ancient terracotta Jemaa Head from the Nok culture, dating back to c. 900 to 200 BC.
- Explore traditional Ekpo, Gẹlẹdẹ, and Cross River masks alongside Egungun cultural costumes.
- Examine Royal regalias, Kingdom of Benin artifacts, and Igbo-Ukwu bronze pieces.
- See unique Dakakari grave sculptures and traditional musical instruments like sansas, flutes, and fiddles.
- Discover fine art by famous Nigerian artists like Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, and Nike Davies-Okundaye.
Visiting tips
Look for the sculpture of the Igbo spiritual deity Chukwu located right at the entrance of the museum.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Nigerian National Museum, Lagos is easy to reach on Lagos’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lagos travel guide.
See the full Lagos travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.