
National Museum Lagos
Discover Nigeria's rich past at the National Museum Lagos, showcasing art, history, and cultural artifacts. A journey through time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

National Museum Lagos
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Nigeria's rich past at the National Museum Lagos, showcasing art, history, and cultural artifacts. A journey through time.
"A beautiful and serene place that allowed me to walk down the memory/historical lane of Nigeria."

🎯 Budget-Friendly Entry
Entry is around 1000-1500 NGN. Consider skipping a guide if you know Nigerian history! :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking through the galleries, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.9 · 1,192 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
museum.ngHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Assassination Car
Gallery
See the actual car where General Murtala Muhammad was tragically assassinated, a poignant piece of Nigerian political history.

Tribal History Galleries
Indoor Galleries
Explore the rich history and diverse cultures of Nigeria's various tribes through well-preserved artifacts and exhibits.

Pre-Colonial Artifacts
Gallery
Journey back in time with ancient relics and treasured artifacts that offer a glimpse into Nigeria's pre-colonial era.

Children's Playground
Outdoor Area
A fun and safe space for kids to play, making the museum visit enjoyable for the whole family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smoother Visit
Budget-Friendly Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Budget-Friendly Entry
Entry is around 1000-1500 NGN. Consider skipping a guide if you know Nigerian history! :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking through the galleries, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the History
Bring your phone or camera to snap photos of the fascinating exhibits and historical items. :iphone:
⏳ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the galleries and take pictures. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Budget-Friendly Entry
Entry is around 1000-1500 NGN. Consider skipping a guide if you know Nigerian history! :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking through the galleries, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the History
Bring your phone or camera to snap photos of the fascinating exhibits and historical items. :iphone:
⏳ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the galleries and take pictures. :stopwatch:
👨👩👧 Family Fun Zone
There's a playground for kids, making it a great outing for families. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the National Museum Lagos to be a valuable place for learning about Nigerian history and culture, with well-preserved relics and artifacts. While some note areas for improvement in maintenance and historical completeness, it's generally considered a worthwhile and affordable experience for families and history enthusiasts alike.
"The National Museum of Nigeria in Lagos pleasantly surprised me. The exhibition doesn't look modern, but that's not the point. I really appreciated the curator's approach, which presented the collection through the stages of human life, from birth to... not death, but to the afterlife. This fact alone highlights how much traditional art is—or was—in the service of humanity. Artists didn't create for aesthetic reasons or the need for personal expression, but in service of their tribal family. There are many valuable exhibits on display, well and clearly described. If I missed anything, it was dates, placing objects and events on a timeline. I highly recommend it.
On the other hand, Nigerian culture is so rich and diverse that I consider this museum merely a vestibule to the castle of cultural abundance created by numerous tribes with their vast imaginations, rituals, and artifacts. Nigeria deserves a museum ten times larger and richer, because it truly has much to be proud of."
Agata Wilam
"I went there years ago as a teenager and decided to revisit this place as an adult. It was still quite the same.
Well preserved old relics, and lots of history there.
We paid N1,500 for entrance and we didn’t use a tour guide. There was no need and most of the relics were self explanatory especially as native Nigerians who knew a little about history.
You will be done with the tour in 2 hours or so if you’re snapping pics and making videos.
It was a fun experience."
Clare Egwuatu
"1. I wonder what happened to all the pictures of the old Lagos.
2. Many pictorial gaps in the pre-colonial and national history.
3. I will suggest the display of old currencies and a write-up on the persons in the current ones showing why they were considered worthy of being placed on National currency."
Wily Kay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Museum Lagos is located at Onikan, Lagos Island. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt, or local buses. It's a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way.
While specific parking details can vary, there is generally space available for visitors. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Yes, various local bus routes pass through or near Onikan. However, for convenience and safety, ride-sharing services are often preferred by visitors.
Using navigation apps on your phone is highly recommended. Ride-sharing apps are very popular and reliable for getting around Lagos.
Information on accessibility for visitors with mobility issues is limited. It's best to contact the museum directly for specific details regarding ramps or elevators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 1,000 NGN for Nigerian citizens and 1,500 NGN for foreigners. Prices can sometimes vary, so it's good to check upon arrival.
Yes, you can purchase tickets in person at the museum's entrance. It's recommended to buy them upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts for students or children is not widely advertised. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter for any available concessions.
The museum is generally open from Monday to Saturday, typically from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, hours can change, so it's wise to confirm before your visit.
Advance booking is usually not required for general entry. Tickets can be purchased on the day of your visit.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on Nigerian art, history, and culture, including tribal artifacts, historical relics, and the car in which General Murtala Muhammad was assassinated.
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum, depending on their pace and interest in the exhibits.
While tour guides are available, many visitors find the exhibits self-explanatory, especially if they have some background knowledge of Nigerian history.
The museum primarily focuses on static displays of artifacts and historical items. While informative, they are not typically interactive in a modern sense.
Some reviews suggest that while the artifacts are well-preserved, the overall maintenance of the location could be improved.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, there are no significant dining facilities or cafes reported within the museum premises. Visitors may need to dine outside the museum.
The museum is located in a central area of Lagos Island, with various restaurants and eateries nearby offering diverse culinary experiences.
It's generally advisable to check the museum's policy on outside food and drinks. However, it's common for such institutions to discourage eating within exhibition areas.
Yes, you can find local eateries and street food vendors in the vicinity offering affordable Nigerian cuisine.
The surrounding area offers a mix of traditional Nigerian dishes, continental options, and fast food.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
While personal photography is usually permitted, professional photography or videography might require special permission. Avoid using flash in dimly lit galleries.
The architecture of the museum itself, the historical artifacts, and the assassination car are popular subjects for photos. The aerial shots also showcase the museum's grandeur.
Drone usage is typically restricted in such public spaces. For aerial shots like those seen on social media, it's likely the museum administration or a professional videographer was involved.
The tribal artifacts and the historical relics, especially those from the pre-colonial era, offer unique photographic opportunities. The assassination car is also a significant visual point.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit