In a historic move to redefine public access to art and culture in Nigeria, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University will offer free admission to all visitors starting June 15, 2026. The initiative, the first since the museum’s establishment, is funded by prominent art collectors and philanthropists Aisha and Gbenga Oyebode, who have committed to supporting the programme for an initial three-year period. Mr. Oyebode also serves on the YSMA Museum Advisory Board.
The decision marks a major milestone in YSMA’s mission to broaden public access to Nigerian art and deepen cultural participation across diverse audiences. By removing financial barriers, the museum aims to attract significantly larger crowds, strengthening its role as a centre for learning, tourism, research, and public engagement. For a museum founded on the principle that art should educate, inspire, and serve society, free admission represents an investment in cultural inclusion and the democratization of access to heritage and creativity.
Jess Castellote, Museum Director, called the development progressive for the institution and its audiences: “This is an important moment in the history of YSMA. Making the museum freely accessible removes an important barrier between people and culture. It allows more students, families, young creatives, researchers, tourists, and everyday visitors to encounter Nigerian art in meaningful ways. We are deeply grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Gbenga Oyebode for their generosity and vision in supporting an initiative that aligns perfectly with the museum’s mission of accessibility, education, and public service.”
Mr. and Mrs. Gbenga Oyebode said their support reflects their belief in the power of art and cultural institutions to shape society and expand opportunities for learning and civic engagement. “Museums are spaces of knowledge, reflection, and human connection. Supporting free public access to YSMA is about ensuring that more people, especially young Nigerians, can experience the richness of our artistic and cultural heritage without limitations. The museum has already established itself as one of the country’s most important cultural institutions, and we believe initiatives such as this are essential to building a stronger culture of engagement with the arts in Nigeria.”
The initiative comes at a pivotal time for Lagos’ evolving tourism and cultural landscape. Following recent strategic engagements with the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF), YSMA is strengthening its positioning as a major cultural destination in the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki corridor and Lagos State’s broader tourism ecosystem. As Lagos expands its ambitions as a global centre for culture, creativity, and tourism, free access is expected to significantly boost visitor traffic, cultural participation, and educational engagement, making YSMA more accessible to local and international audiences.
Since opening in 2019, YSMA has become one of Nigeria’s leading cultural institutions, housing one of the country’s most significant collections of Nigerian art and serving as a dynamic platform for exhibitions, education, scholarship, and public dialogue. Through this landmark initiative, the museum reinforces its commitment to making art accessible to all and strengthening the role of museums within Nigeria’s cultural and social life.