Experience - Lagos State Council of Arts & Culture

Experience

A trip to the capital wouldn’t be complete without seeing the top Lagos attractions. Plan ahead so you don’t miss out on these top things to do in Lagos.

National Theatre Iganmu

The National Theatre, Nigeria is the primary centre for the performing arts in Nigeria. The monument is located in Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos. Its construction was completed in 1976 in preparation for the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.

National Museum, Onikan

Freedom Park, Onikan

Freedom Park was born out of the ruins of Her Majesty’s Broad Street Prisons, which were reconstructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of the Nigerian people. The project commemorated the 50th anniversary of Independence Day in October 2010 in remembrance of the nation’s foremost fathers for their patriotism, which ultimately led to the nation’s independence from the colonists. Freedom Park is a heritage site.

New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja

After the destruction of the Old Afrika Shrine which was built by Fela Kuti, a notable Nigerian Musician, in 1977, the new Afrika Shrine was built by his children Yeni Kuti and Femi Kuti, his eldest daughter, and eldest son in 2000. Located in Ikeja, it is an open-air area used for entertainment purposes and concerts. The building management is handled by Yeni Kuti while the concerts are handled by Femi Kuti who holds one every Thursday with his band. The New Afrika Shrine is a place open to everyone regardless of race or status. In its earlier days, the New Afrika Shrine faced challenges from the government and police who tried to hamper its growth. But in the end, the Kutis succeeded in upholding their father’s legacy.

Kalakuta Museum, Ikeja

The Kalakuta Museum is another landmark of Lagos relating to the Kutis. However, it has a very dark past much darker than the Afrika shrine. Although located in Ikeja, the Kalakuta name was first derived from Fela’s house.
Due to his opposition to the army, the place was burnt down by the army and they prevented the fire service from putting out the fire which eventually led to the destruction of the free clinic hosted by Fela’s brother.
This incident led to the death of Fela’s mother after she was thrown from the first floor of the building damaging her leg in the process. Although she didn’t immediately die from the injury, the emotional trauma caused her to lose the fight against death a year later. However, the Kalakuta Museum now holds Fela’s items including his shoes, clothes, paintings, and saxophone.

Cathedral, Marina

The large Norman Gothic-style cathedral is located on Lagos Island. The building was built around 150 years back making it one of the oldest cathedrals in Nigeria yet it still stands today. Further developments took place in the year 1924 and 1925 and was finished in 1946. Rev Samuel Ajayi Crowther became the first African Bishop of the large cathedral. Although he was a victim of the slave trade, he garnered much respect among the Anglicans such that they made a statue in memorial to him.

Alliance Francaise , Ikoyi

Alliance française or AF is an international organization that aims to promote the French language and francophone culture around the world. Created in Paris on 21 July 1883 under the name Alliance française pour la propagation de la langue nationale dans les colonies et à l’étranger (French alliance for the propagation of the national language in the colonies and abroad), known now simply as L’Alliance française, its primary goal is teaching French as a second language. Headquartered in Paris, the Alliance had 850 centers in 137 countries on every inhabited continent in 2014

Lekki Art Market, Lekki

The Lekki Arts and Craft Market, also known as Oba Elegushi Market or Jakande Market, is a haven for creative art and handmade crafts in Lagos. Everything here is affordably priced, making it a popular choice among art enthusiasts.

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