The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA)

A front view of the brown concrete structure of the museum and the gazzebo from a close range. The entire exterior space is regarded as a Sculpture Garden. The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), of the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, is the first purpose built, privately owned art museum in Nigeria. The 900 sqm museum hosts over 1000 artworks from Prince Yemisi Shyllon’s vast art collection. Thanks to him, the YSMA is privileged to have one of the most comprehensive and diverse art collections in the country and to make it accessible to all visitors. The Museum opened to the public in 2020 and was designed by Spanish-Nigerian architect and Director Jess Castellote. The architecture of the YSMA aligns with the principles that inspired the design of all the buildings at the Pan-Atlantic University; fitness for purpose, flexibility, sustainability and character. The stained concrete outer walls were inspired by the red mud houses of earlier civilizations such as the ancient Benin Kingdom.