Shyllon Museum Throws Open Its Doors to the Public with Free Admission Initiative

Shyllon Museum Throws Open Its Doors to the Public with Free Admission Initiative

Lagos, Nigeria – In a landmark move aimed at expanding public access to art and culture, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, has announced that admission to the museum will be free for all visitors from June 15, 2026.

The initiative, the first since the museum opened its doors in 2019, is being made possible through the support of renowned art patrons and philanthropists, Aisha and Gbenga Oyebode, who have committed to funding the programme for an initial three-year period. Gbenga Oyebode also serves on the museum’s advisory board.

The development marks a significant step in YSMA’s mission to make art more accessible to Nigerians by removing financial barriers that may prevent people from engaging with the country’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Museum Director, Jess Castellote, described the decision as a defining moment in the institution’s history.

“This is an important moment for YSMA. By making admission free, we are removing a key barrier between the public and culture. More students, families, researchers, tourists, young creatives and everyday visitors will now have the opportunity to experience Nigerian art in meaningful ways,” Castellote said.

He expressed appreciation to the Oyebodes for supporting a project that aligns with the museum’s vision of accessibility, education and public service.

According to Aisha and Gbenga Oyebode, their support for the initiative stems from a strong belief in the transformative role of museums and cultural institutions in society.

“Museums are spaces of knowledge, reflection and human connection. Supporting free public access to YSMA ensures that more people, especially young Nigerians, can engage with our artistic and cultural heritage without limitations,” they said.

The couple noted that the museum has established itself as one of Nigeria’s most important cultural institutions and that widening access is essential to encouraging greater public engagement with the arts.

The free-admission programme comes at a time when Lagos is strengthening its position as a major cultural and tourism destination in Africa. Recent collaborations between YSMA, the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) have further enhanced the museum’s profile within the state’s growing tourism ecosystem, particularly in the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki corridor.

Stakeholders believe the initiative will attract more visitors, encourage cultural participation, boost educational engagement and increase the museum’s appeal to both local and international audiences.

Since its inauguration in 2019, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading cultural institutions, housing an extensive collection of Nigerian artworks and serving as a hub for exhibitions, research, education and public dialogue.

With the introduction of free admission, the museum is expected to deepen its impact as a centre for learning and cultural exchange while reinforcing its commitment to making art accessible to all Nigerians.