Description
Step Into Nigeria’s Art Legacy at YSMA 🎨
Located on the main campus of Pan‑Atlantic University in Ibeju‑Lekki, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) is the first privately‑funded university art museum in Nigeria. Established in 2019, it showcases over 1,000 artworks donated by Prince Yemisi Shyllon, making it one of the most impressive permanent collections in the country.refinedng.com+14Wikipedia+14Apollo Magazine+14
Ambience 🌿
The museum is housed in a striking cubic red‑concrete building designed by Jess Castellote. Inside, spacious, well-lit galleries offer flexible exhibition layouts. The clean, minimalist architecture is both modern and warm, with excellent temperature control and natural flow through the floors. It’s a calm, inspiring space ideal for serious art lovers or leisurely visitors.Wikipedia+3Apollo Magazine+3The Art Newspaper+3
What to See 🖼️
YSMA’s collection spans traditional, modern, and contemporary artworks, from Nok terracotta and Ife and Benin bronzes to works by renowned artists like Ben Enwonwu, El Anatsui, Uche Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Nike Davies‑Okundaye, Peju Alatise, Victor Ekpuk, Lanre Tejuoso, Kainebi Osahenye and many others. Explore thematic exhibitions such as “Making Matter: Materiality and Technology” and “Mirroring Man: Society and Politics,” along with displays dedicated to Oshogbo artists and Nigerian women in art.Global Voices+9Wikipedia+9Google Arts & Culture+9
Virtual Experience 🌐
YSMA is partner to Google Arts & Culture, offering virtual tours and ultra‑high‑resolution imaging of over 150 artworks. Viewers worldwide can explore masterpieces like Benin bronzes or Onobrakpeya prints in detailed digital exhibits even before setting foot in the gallery.Tripadvisor+8pau.edu.ng+8Wikipedia+8
Visitor Info & Costs 💰
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and on Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM. Entry is ₦3,000 for adults and ₦1,000 for students (ID required). Group visits need to be booked two weeks ahead.
Why You’ll Love It
Art enthusiasts: an outstanding showcase of Nigerian art from ancient to contemporary
Education seekers: a teaching museum fostering cultural understanding and creative thinking
Photographers & creatives: beautifully arranged artworks and clean gallery architecture
Local visitors & tourists: peaceful, sophisticated and inspiring—perfect for quiet reflection or lively discussion
Location
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105101 Lekki - Epe Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria
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