Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial and cultural hub, has been named one of the seven must-visit art destinations in 2026 by global travel and arts observers.
The city joins international capitals such as Venice, Doha, Sydney, Bangkok, Philadelphia, and Malta in recognition of its vibrant and rapidly growing art scene.
The recognition comes as Lagos prepares to host several major art events this year, including the fifth Lagos Biennial, the launch of the Àkéte Collection – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the 11th edition of ART X Lagos.
The Biennial, curated by Folakunle Oshun, is themed ‘The Museum of Things Unseen’, a reflection on ancestry, cultural history, and museology through innovative exhibitions in non-traditional spaces.
The Lagos Biennial is scheduled to run from October 17 to December 18, 2026, while ART X Lagos will take place from November 5 to 8. The Àkéte Collection will officially open in October 2026, adding a permanent institutional anchor to the city’s contemporary art landscape.
Events are spread across Lagos, reflecting the city’s dense and dynamic urban fabric. The Àkéte Collection will serve as a central repository for African modern and contemporary art, while galleries including Rele, kó, Ogirikan Art Gallery, and Nike Art Gallery continue to support and showcase emerging and established artists.
Additionally, institutions such as the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History ground contemporary work in Nigeria’s rich historical and cultural narratives.
Lagos’ inclusion among top global art destinations reflects its growing influence as West Africa’s leading contemporary art hub.
The city has become a platform for both local and international artists, giving African creators an opportunity to gain global visibility without leaving the continent.
Founder of ART X Lagos, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig emphasised the significance of these platforms, saying: “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.”
Lagos’ momentum in the arts is driven by a combination of large-scale events and a thriving gallery ecosystem.
The Lagos Biennial utilises unconventional urban spaces to present its main exhibition, encouraging visitors to explore the city as part of the artistic experience.
ART X Lagos, now in its 11th edition, brings international galleries and collectors to Nigeria, while the Àkéte Collection aims to be a “living archive” of African contemporary art. These initiatives are complemented by year-round exhibitions, public programs, and cultural festivals that actively engage the city’s population and global audiences alike.
Globally, Lagos is gaining recognition alongside well-established art capitals. Venice continues to host the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious art events, while Doha will stage the inaugural Art Basel Qatar.
Sydney’s Biennale of Sydney, Bangkok’s Art Biennale, Philadelphia’s Calder Gardens, and Malta’s Mediterranean-focused Biennale also highlight 2026 as a rich year for international art tourism.
Sunday Ehigiator
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