Set against the backdrop of cultural and artistic rebellion, Nigerian Modernism celebrates the achievements of Nigerian artists working before and after the decade of national independence from British colonial rule in 1960.
Nigerian Modernism tells the story of artistic networks which spanned Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos and Enugu, as well as London, Munich and Paris. Through groups like the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club, they fused Nigerian, African and European techniques and traditions to create vibrant, multidimensional works.
Explore a diverse range of paintings, sculpture, textiles and poetry from over 50 artists including Uzo Egonu, El Anatsui, Ladi Kwali and Ben Enwonwu MBE.
Nigerian Modernism is in partnership with Access Holdings and Coronation Group. Supported by Ford Foundation, The A. G. Leventis Foundation and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. With additional support from the Nigerian Modernism Exhibition Supporters Circle, Tate International Council, Tate Patrons and Tate Americas Foundation.
Benedict Enwonwu Seven Wooden Sculptures Commissioned by the Daily Mirror in 1960 1961 Access Holdings Plc. Installation view in Nigerian Modernism, Tate Modern, 2025. Photo © Tate (Liam Man)
J.D. Okhai Ojeikere Untitled (Onile Gogoro Or Akaba) 1975, printed 2012 Tate Purchased with funds provided by the Acquisitions Fund for African Art Supported by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc 2013
Uzo Egonu Stateless People: an Artist with Beret 1981 Lent by Vikram Chellaram 2025 © The estate of Uzo Egonu. Installation view in Nigerian Modernism, Tate Modern, 2025. Photo © Tate (Liam Man)
Benedict Enwonwu The Dancer 1962 Lent by Ben Uri Gallery and Museum 2025 © The Ben Enwonwu Foundation
Obioura Udechukwu Our Journey 1993 Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire; Purchased through a gift from Evelyn A. and William B. Jaffe, Class of 1964H, by exchange © Obiors Udechukwu. Installation view in Nigerian Modernism, Tate Modern, 2025. Photo © Tate (Liam Man)
J.D. Okhai Ojeikere Untitled (Agaracha) 1974, printed 2012 Tate Purchased with funds provided by the Acquisitions Fund for African Art Supported by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc 2013
Find out more about the Nigerian Modernism exhibition with our exhibition guide.
Need a bigger font size? Download the Large Print Guide.
Make a day of it. See Nigerian Modernism and enjoy a two-course lunch in the Level 6 Restaurant afterwards. With one of the best restaurant views in London and a modern British menu, it’s a simple way to plan ahead and get more from your visit.
Available daily until 26 February as an option with 11.15, 12.00, or 12.45 exhibition entry followed by lunch. From 27 February available with 11.15 entry only.
£59* for exhibition entry and two courses from the à la carte menu
Served 12.00-15.00
To Start
Dorset crab and chalk stream trout rillette, crème fraîche, dill, pickled cucumber
Chicken liver parfait, currants, hazelnuts, lambs’ lettuce, brioche
Cashew hummus, broad beans, seeded crackers, grilled spring onions (vg)
Mains
Roasted pollack, crushed purple potatoes, seaweed butter sauce, leeks
Potato gnocchi, courgette, wild garlic pesto, pine nuts, Grana Padano (v)
Grilled bavette steak, watercress and shallot salad, Béarnaise sauce
Desserts
Crème caramel, golden raisins
Tiramisu
Vanilla rice pudding, rhubarb (vg)
You can also book separately via our Restaurant page.
A discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill
All Tate Modern entrances are step-free. You can enter via the Turbine Hall and into the Natalie Bell Building on Holland Street, or into the Blavatnik Building on Sumner street. There are lifts to every floor of the Blavatnik and Natalie Bell buildings. Alternatively you can take the stairs.
- Fully accessible toilets are located on every floor on the concourses.
- A quiet room is available to use in the Natalie Bell Building on Level 4.
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from the Ticket desks.
To help plan your visit to Tate Modern, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before your visit:
- Email hello@tate.org.uk
- Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 (daily 10.00–17.00)
