Places to visit when in Lagos

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Nike Art Gallery; A Must Visit When In Lagos 




Discovering Nike Art Gallery in Lagos: A Vibrant Tapestry of Nigerian Creativity

Nestled in Lekki Phase I at 2 Elegushi (aka Nike Art Gallery Road), the Nike Art Gallery is a breathtaking five‑storey canvas of Nigeria’s artistic heartbeat. Founded in 2008 by textile legend Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye—warmly known as “Mama Nike”—this cultural sanctuary celebrates and preserves African art traditions while empowering emerging artists 

From dynamic oil paintings and quirky beadworks to adire-dyed fabrics and wood sculptures, this gallery stands among West Africa’s largest and most diverse collections  Wander through each level and you’ll encounter walls brimming with creative expression—on every scale, from intimate to monumental.

A highlight: the textile museum featuring traditional dyeing tools and techniques. Upstairs, a rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Lagos, perfect for reflective pauses amid the visual feast .

Mama Nike’s mission extends beyond display; it’s about transformation. The gallery hosts workshops in batik, adire, beadwork, painting, carving—even drumming and dancing. This apprenticeship model has trained over 3,000 young Nigerians, especially women, supporting both livelihoods and cultural legacy.

She famously offers a fair-trade system: artists give her a 10 % commission on sold works, with proceeds reinvested into social causes .

  • Open daily, 10 am–6 pm (Sundays from 1 pm) 

  • Free entry for individual and small fee for groups.

  • Best time to arrive: morning to beat crowds and avoid midday Lagos traffic .

  • Bring N500–N1,000 for souvenirs or guided tours—they’re tip-based and insightful .

Facilities include a cozy café on-site, with guesthouses available in Oshogbo and Abuja for deeper immersion via Nike Tours.

  • Cultural anchor: Lagos locals, students, and tourists flock here. It's a space where heritage meets everyday life .

  • Economic catalyst: Visitors support nearby vendors and workshops, fueling Lagos’s creative ecosystem.

  • Personal touch: Meeting Mama Nike (if you're lucky!) adds warmth and authenticity to the visit.

  1. 10:00 AM – Arrive, start with textiles & batik on ground floor.

  2. 11:00 AM – Climb to sculpture halls and painting galleries.

  3. 12:30 PM – Grab a light snack or coffee in the café, recharge.

  4. 1:00 PM – Attend a short workshop or watch beading demos.

  5. 2:30 PM – Rooftop break with panoramic Lagos views.

  6. 3:00 PM – Guided tour (optional) + browse crafts for purchase.

  7. 4:30 PM – Stroll the gallery one last time, absorb the colors.

  8. 5:00 PM – Snap a photo with Mama Nike, if she’s there.

Visitor feedback is glowing:

“It is everything and more! … The Nike’s art gallery is a 4 storey building garnished with everything art.

“He really enjoyed it… spacious, pictures hung at different levels… something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Nike Art Gallery offers more than art—it’s a community. A place where Nigeria’s past and future intertwine through vibrant creativity, teaching, and connection. Whether you're an art collector, cultural explorer, or curious soul, it’s a must-visit gem in Lagos’s artistic landscape.


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