For fun seekers who reside in, or are visiting Lagos, there
are several places to unwind in the city. Because when it comes to having a
good time, Lagos leads with its vibrant nightlife. However, if you are a
culture enthusiast who craves to have an encounter with history and you
probably do not know where to go, Travel.Jumia.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking
portal round up 5 places to experience art and culture in the centre of
excellence.
National Theatre
Exterior shaped like a military hat, built by the military
regime of Olusegun Obasanjo in 1976 in preparation for the 1977 Festival of
Arts and Culture (FESTAC), and it played a significant role in promoting
Nigerian theatre. It has two 5,000 seater cinema halls. It is a hub for a
perfect cultural and art experience!
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is the remnant of a British Prison located on
Broad Street in the heart of Lagos. In order, to preserve this history and
cultural heritage, the government upgraded the park. The Park for the past few
years has become a one-stop centre to appreciate art, culture and have fun at
the same time. It showcases the work of literary giant Prof. Wole Soyinka via
the Kongi’s Harvest Art gallery, live music, spoken word, live drama, and hosts
events like the Afropolitan vibes and Lagos Black Heritage Festival.
National Museum
Remember the 1976 assassination of former military Head of
State Murtala Mohammed? If you want to relive what happened on the faithful
day, visit the National Museum which is 150 metres Southeast of Tafawa Balewa
Square, Lagos and you will see the bullet-riddled car in which he was
assassinated. Other attractions include brasses from Benin city, Nok Terracotta
heads, carved ivories, royal crowns and much more.
Mende Cane Village
The Mende market may not readily appear on any to-do list or
itinerary but it is a place worth visiting. The market is situated under the
Odo-Iya Alaro bridge at Mende, Maryland. At the market, you find artisans
carving various household materials like baskets, cots, bridal chairs, tables,
and other items from bamboos. The expertise displayed by these persons who have
eked out a living from carving these items is fascinating. Interestingly, these
baskets are affordable and you can purchase one.
Badagry
Being an ex-slavery hub, everywhere you go in this pretty
quiet town reflects its slave history and past. A day’s visit to Badagry is not
enough to navigate this coastal town. Whispering Palms, Badagry Heritage
Museum, Slave Museum, Slave Markets, Slave prisons (Baracoon), Slave Port,
Gberefun Island, Point of No Return, 1st Primary School, 1st Church, 1st story
building are a few of the many places. There so much cultural interaction and
exchange in Badagry.
