NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BENIN CITY

Certainly one of the most extensive and best preserved museums in the country, along with the one in Kano. Established in the 1970s in a three-storey circular building, the Museum was once housed in the Oba Palace. The collection traces the history of the southwest region and its bronze culture. Very beautiful original pieces are on display, including the bronze head of Queen Idia, which will allow you to practice your collector's eye before going shopping in the street of the founders... contemporary! The British invasion and the pillage of the works of art it led to (more than 2,000 pieces stolen!) are well detailed, and some period rifles are preserved. An interesting photo exhibition occupies the second floor, which traces the life of Benin-City's high society in a series of photographs taken by the court photographer of the time. ^3rd floor more generalist about the country and a little poor.