The Architecture of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art is the first purpose built, privately owned art museum in Nigeria. The Museum is located in Lagos and part of the Pan-Atlantic University. The Museum opened to the public in 2020 and was designed by Spanish-Nigerian architect and Director Jess Castellote.

The architecture is inspired by the principles of the buildings at the Pan-Atlantic University; fitness for purpose, flexibility, sustainability and character. The stained concrete outer walls was inspired by the red mud houses of earlier civilizations, including the ancient Benin Kingdom.

The main building houses the art galleries and the gazebo is used for educational activities. The 900 sqm Museum hosts over 1000 artworks from Prince Yemisi Shyllon’s art collection. The Museum holds one of the most comprehensive and diverse art collections in Nigeria.

Visitors are invited to learn more about art from the ancient kingdoms Ife, Nok and Benin. Visitors can also explore art by contemporary artists including Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya and Nike Davies-Okundaye.