Lagos: It’s a big week for art in Nigeria. Lagos hosts the Contemporary Fair this weekend, while Benin City prepares for the opening of the long-awaited Museum of West African Art. The multi-million-euro project, backed by France, Germany, the Getty Foundation, and the British Museum, was meant to house the famed Benin Bronzes, looted by British forces in 1897 – but that plan has sparked controversy. Marie-Cécile Zinsou, president of the Zinsou Foundation, explains why.

According to France24.com, the Museum of West African Art is set to become a significant cultural landmark. The institution’s goal is to celebrate and preserve the rich artistic heritage of West Africa. However, the involvement of international entities in the museum’s development has led to debates regarding the ownership and repatriation of the Benin Bronzes.

Marie-Cécile Zinsou, a notable figure in the art world, has been vocal about the importance of African-led initiatives in the preservation and exhibition of African art. The controversy surrounding the Benin Bronzes highlights the broader discussions about cultural restitution and the role of former colonial powers in the stewardship of African artifacts.

The opening of the museum and the ongoing discussions about the Benin Bronzes underscore the growing global interest in African art. This surge in attention is not only a testament to the region’s rich cultural history but also a call for more inclusive and equitable practices in the art world.