Art exhibitions in Nigeria aren’t just events, they’re experiences that sneak up on your senses and stay with you.

More importantly, they go far beyond showcasing art. In fact, they’re about you being seen, stirred, maybe even shifted.

As you walk through these spaces, you’re not just admiring brushstrokes; you’re stepping into moments that challenge how you see the world.

Art shows in Nigeria aren’t just gallery visits, they’re culture-charged conversations waiting to happen.

Lagos Biennial: A Confluence of Contemporary Art

Art Exhibitions in Nigeria: Top Events to Experience in 2025

Since its inception in 2017, the Lagos Biennial has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s art scene.

Organized by the Àkéte Art Foundation, this non-profit platform showcases contemporary art that challenges conventions and sparks dialogue.

The 2024 edition, themed “REFUGE,” transformed Tafawa Balewa Square into a hub of artistic expression, addressing themes of identity and belonging.

LagosPhoto Festival: Capturing Narratives Through the Lens

Art Exhibitions in Nigeria: Top Events to Experience in 2025

Established in 2010 by Azu Nwagbogu of the African Artists Foundation, the LagosPhoto Festival is Nigeria’s premier international photography event.

Spanning from October to January, the 2025 edition invites both local and international photographers to present works that reflect the complexities of African life.

Through exhibitions, workshops, and talks, the festival fosters a community that appreciates the power of visual storytelling.

ART X Lagos: Celebrating African Creativity

Art Exhibitions in Nigeria: Top Events to Experience in 2025

ART X Lagos, founded in 2016 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, stands as West Africa’s leading international art fair.

In 2024, the fair returned with even greater vibrancy, hosted at The Federal Palace and themed “Promised Lands”, a bold exploration of aspirations, dreams, and freedoms across Africa and its diaspora.

With over 70 participating countries, the fair included exhibitions, talks, and live performances, bridging the gap between art and popular culture.

Abuja Art Fair: Nurturing Emerging Talent

Art Exhibitions in Nigeria: Top Events to Experience in 2025

The Abuja Art Fair serves as a vital platform for emerging Nigerian artists to showcase their work.

Focusing on painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media, the fair emphasises the diversity and innovation of Nigeria’s upcoming artistic talent.

By providing exposure and opportunities, it plays a crucial role in the development of the nation’s art landscape.

+234 Art Fair: Redefining Art Patronage

Art Exhibitions in Nigeria: Top Events to Experience in 2025

Launched in 2023, the +234 Art Fair aims to demystify art patronage in Nigeria.

Since then, it has brought together over 260 emerging artists from all corners of the country, inviting attendees to rethink not just how they view art, but how they connect with its creators.

Through this lens, the fair doesn’t just showcase talent, it fosters real conversations, bridging the gap between artists and audiences.

In doing so, the +234 Art Fair is subtly but powerfully reshaping how Nigerians experience, appreciate, and support the arts.

More broadly, art exhibitions in Nigeria are far more than scheduled events. Rather, they’re immersive journeys into the heart of the nation’s creativity, complexity, and cultural grit.

Art Exhibitions in Nigeria: Top Events to Experience in 2025​

Art Exhibitions in Nigeria: Top Events to Experience in 2025