Lagos has been recognized as one of the seven must-visit art destinations in 2026 by Artsy, the leading global online art marketplace. The city was described as “a banner biennale in West Africa’s preeminent art capital.”
The recognition was featured in an article titled “7 Art Destinations to Visit in 2026” by Maxwell Rabb, published on Artsy.net on January 8. The list includes Venice (Italy), Doha (Qatar), Sydney (Australia), Bangkok (Thailand), Lagos (Nigeria), Philadelphia (USA), and Malta.
According to Artsy, “Lagos is rapidly becoming the commercial and creative engine of African contemporary art, and this momentum will continue in 2026.” The city’s growing reputation is fueled by its dynamic arts community and a calendar of world-class events.
Key highlights include:
- Lagos Biennial (October 17 – December 18, 2026): Curated this year by Folakunle Oshun, the fifth edition of the biennial will showcase the theme “The Museum of Things Unseen”, exploring ancestry and cultural history through non-traditional exhibition spaces.
- Àkéte Collection – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: The museum will officially open its permanent home in Lagos in October, aiming to serve as a “living archive” for African art.
- ART X Lagos (November 5 – 8, 2026): The 11th edition of the art fair continues to spotlight Nigerian talent, with founder Tokini Peterside-Schwebig emphasizing efforts to bring global attention to artists without requiring them to leave the country.
The report also highlights galleries such as Rele, kó, Ogirikan Art Gallery, and Nike Art Gallery, which nurture contemporary African artists, and institutions like the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which ground modern work in historical narratives.
Welcoming the recognition, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the listing reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to developing the creative sector. He reaffirmed the administration’s vision to make Lagos the top destination for arts, culture, and tourism in the coming years.
“We will continue to invest in the sector in which our youths have exhibited remarkable talents,” the Governor said.