Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have celebrated the remarkable success and lasting legacy of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition with an exclusive reception at Tate Modern in London, marking one of the most significant showcases of African art in the museum’s recent history.
The exhibition, which ran from October 10, 2025, to May 8, 2026, featured nearly 300 artworks by more than 50 Nigerian artists, chronicling five decades of artistic excellence from the 1940s through the post-independence era. Through paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics and works on paper, it explored the evolution of modern Nigerian art while highlighting the political, social and cultural forces that shaped Africa’s creative identity.
The exhibition attracted more than 180,000 visitors during its seven-month run and reached millions more globally through international media coverage, digital platforms, educational programmes and academic discussions, further elevating Nigerian art on the world stage.
Beyond its impressive attendance, the exhibition was praised for broadening access to African art, particularly for young people and members of the African diaspora, many of whom experienced Nigerian artistic heritage firsthand at one of the world’s foremost cultural institutions.
The reception brought together distinguished leaders from business, diplomacy, academia, culture and the arts to celebrate the exhibition’s international impact and enduring contribution to global conversations on African creativity.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, described the exhibition’s influence on young people as one of its greatest achievements.
He revealed that nearly 2,800 students, many of African descent, visited the exhibition, with many expressing a renewed appreciation of their heritage and a stronger sense of identity after experiencing the artworks.
According to him, culture remains a powerful force in nation-building, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to include a private tour of the exhibition during his official visit to London underscored the vital role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening national identity and international engagement.
Interim Director of Tate Modern, Karin Hinsbo, hailed Nigerian Modernism as a groundbreaking exhibition that captivated hundreds of thousands of visitors by presenting a story never before told in a UK gallery.
She commended Access Holdings and Coronation Group for their partnership and commitment, noting that the exhibition, which showcased 250 exceptional works across multiple artistic forms, would not have been possible without their support.
The exhibition also earned widespread acclaim for challenging traditional art historical narratives by positioning Nigerian artists at the centre of twentieth-century global modernism. It featured an extensive public engagement programme, including lectures, guided tours and educational initiatives that deepened appreciation for African art and identity.
Among its standout attractions were seven historic wooden sculptures by renowned Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu. Originally commissioned in 1960 for the Daily Mirror in London and now housed in the Access Holdings Art Collection, the sculptures highlighted the importance of preserving Nigeria’s artistic heritage through institutional collaboration.
Guests at the reception described the exhibition as a landmark achievement that has expanded scholarship on African modernism, strengthened global cultural partnerships and introduced Nigerian artistic excellence to new international audiences.
Although the exhibition has concluded, its legacy continues to inspire global conversations on African creativity, heritage, modern identity and cultural diplomacy, cementing its place as a defining moment in contemporary museum practice.