The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), set to open in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, in spring 2025, has successfully raised $25 million from foreign investors. This significant funding milestone is part of MOWAA’s broader effort to secure the $50 million needed for its establishment. The museum is now turning its attention to wooing local investors to bridge the remaining financial gap.
MOWAA’s vision is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for West African heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary arts. The museum is being built on the historic grounds of the former palace of the Oba of Benin, emphasizing its cultural significance and connection to Nigeria’s rich past. International support has been substantial, with Germany contributing €6.8 million and the European Union committing to a five-year partnership project to foster cultural ties between African and European museums.
The museum’s director, Philip Ihenacho, has been instrumental in securing funding, highlighting the project’s potential impact on local and global cultural landscapes. MOWAA aims to not only preserve West African art and history but also serve as a hub for cultural dialogue and innovation, featuring an artist residency program and significant reforestation projects.
As MOWAA seeks additional local investment, it emphasizes the importance of community engagement and support in realizing its ambitious goals. The museum’s success will not only enrich Nigeria’s cultural scene but also contribute to the broader development of West African heritage and arts.
MOWAA Secures $25 Million from Foreign Investors, Seeks Local Support
