The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) officially opened its doors earlier this month in Benin City, Nigeria. This ambitious project, years in the making, aims to revolutionize museum practices across the continent while establishing itself as a leader in archaeology, conservation, and collections management. MOWAA is not just a museum; it is envisioned as a great institution that fosters collaboration and innovation among artists and scholars.
The opening of MOWAA has been met with enthusiasm from the artistic community. Lagos-based abstract artist Nengi Omuku described the museum as “a great opportunity for artists to access art [that] we have admired for so long but may have only seen in books.” This sentiment reflects the museum’s mission to provide a platform for both contemporary and historical West African art, allowing local and international audiences to engage with the region’s rich artistic traditions.
MOWAA is situated on a sprawling 15-acre campus within the ancient moats of the Benin Kingdom. The first building, which opened this month, beautifully combines traditional West African rammed-earth techniques with modern architectural designs, all constructed to meet global sustainability standards. This thoughtful integration pays homage to the city’s heritage while embracing contemporary practices.
In addition to its impressive architecture, MOWAA aims to reclaim and elevate the legacy of West African art by providing educational resources and collaborative opportunities for future generations of artists and academics. The museum plans to host various programs, including workshops and exhibitions that will engage local communities and promote cultural education.
MOWAA has also established partnerships with leading academic institutions, including the University of Ibadan and the University of Benin. These collaborations will facilitate research initiatives and enhance cultural preservation efforts across Nigeria. Ore Disu, Director of MOWAA’s Institute, emphasized that these partnerships are crucial for advancing knowledge exchange and fostering innovative practices in archaeology and heritage management across the continent.
