Lagos has earned global recognition as one of the world’s top seven art destinations to visit in 2026, according to Artsy, a leading international online art marketplace, marking another milestone in the city’s rise as a powerhouse of contemporary African art.
The ranking was published in an article titled “7 Art Destinations to Visit in 2026” by Artsy writer Maxwell Rabb on January 8. In the report, Lagos was described as “a banner biennale in West Africa’s preeminent art capital,” underscoring its growing influence on the global creative landscape.
Artsy explained that the cities selected represent destinations with major art events and fast-rising creative scenes worth adding to an art-focused travel itinerary in 2026.
The list includes Venice in Italy, Doha in Qatar, Sydney in Australia, Bangkok in Thailand, Lagos in Nigeria, Philadelphia in the United States, and Malta.
According to the platform, Lagos is “rapidly becoming the commercial and creative engine of African contemporary art,” with strong momentum expected to carry into 2026 and beyond.
This growth, Artsy noted, is sustained by a dynamic arts community that remains active throughout the year.
Central to Lagos’ selection is the fifth edition of the Lagos Biennial, scheduled to hold from October 17 to December 18, 2026. Curated by Folakunle Oshun, the Biennial’s main exhibition will be staged across non-traditional venues in the city, reflecting Lagos’ density and political energy. The 2026 theme, “The Museum of Things Unseen,” explores ancestry and cultural history through a museological lens.
The report also highlighted the October launch of the permanent home of The Àkéte Collection – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which is envisioned as a “living archive” for Africa’s artistic heritage.
Another major attraction is the 11th edition of the ART X Lagos art fair, slated for November 5 to 8. The fair’s founder, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, told Artsy in December 2025 that ART X Lagos was created to challenge the belief among young Nigerian artists that global success requires leaving the country. “I wanted to change that. I wanted to bring the world to us,” she said.
Beyond headline events, Artsy praised the city’s year-round creative energy, pointing to galleries such as Rele, kó, Ogirikan Art Gallery, and Nike Art Gallery for nurturing artists shaping contemporary African discourse. Institutions like the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History were also noted for anchoring new artistic expressions in deep historical narratives.
Reacting to the listing, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the recognition as a testament to the state government’s sustained investment in the creative economy. He said the inclusion of Lagos among leading global cities reflects the administration’s commitment to positioning the state as a hub for arts, culture, and tourism.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s vision to make Lagos the number one destination for arts, culture, and tourism in the coming years.
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