Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, Lagos, has been ranked as one of the world’s seven must-visit art destinations for 2026 by Artsy, a leading global online art marketplace.
The recognition was announced in Artsy’s feature article, “7 Art Destinations to Visit in 2026”, published on January 8.
Lagos was described as “a banner biennale in West Africa’s preeminent art capital”, joining an exclusive list that includes Venice (Italy), Doha (Qatar), Sydney (Australia), Bangkok (Thailand), Philadelphia (USA), and Malta.
According to a statement by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, Artsy highlighted Lagos as “rapidly becoming the commercial and creative engine of African contemporary art,” with expectations that this momentum will accelerate throughout 2026.
This recognition is anchored by several major cultural events scheduled for the year.
Cultural Calendar for 2026
- Lagos Biennial (Oct 17 – Dec 18): The fifth edition will feature a main exhibition curated by Folakunle Oshun under the theme “The Museum of Things Unseen”, exploring ancestry and cultural history through museology. Artsy praised the biennial’s “thematic urgency and use of non-traditional sites, mirroring the city’s density and political charge.”
- The Àkéte Collection – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: October will also mark the official launch of its permanent home, envisioned as a “living archive” for the African continent.
- ART X Lagos (Nov 5 – 8): The 11th edition of West Africa’s premier art fair will showcase emerging and established talent. Founder Tokini Peterside-Schwebig told Artsy: “Many of the young artists in Nigeria believed they had to leave the country to establish themselves globally. I wanted to change that. I wanted to bring the world to us.”
Year-Round Arts Ecosystem
Beyond flagship events, Lagos’s cultural vitality is sustained by a dynamic arts ecosystem. Galleries such as Rele, kó, Ogirikan Art Gallery, and Nike Art Gallery continue to nurture artists shaping contemporary African discourse.
Institutions like the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History provide historical context that enriches modern creativity.
Reacting to the recognition, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the listing as validation of his administration’s commitment to the creative sector.
“We will continue to invest in the sector in which our youths have exhibited remarkable talents,” Sanwo-Olu stated, reaffirming his vision to establish Lagos as a premier global destination for arts, culture, and tourism.
This international acknowledgment positions Lagos not only as Africa’s cultural powerhouse but also as a global arts destination worthy of international travel and attention.
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