Esie Museum
Esie, Kwara State
Nigeria's first museum, opened in 1945 to hold the soapstone figures found at Esie.
Abdurrazaq A.F.O · CC BY-SA 4.0
Visiting information
- Address
- Esie, Kwara State
- Opening information
- Opening times are not published by a source we can verify. Confirm locally before visiting.
- Accessibility
- Accessibility information has not been verified for this place.
- Suggested time
- 1.5–2 hours
About this place
Esie Museum was established in 1945, the first museum in Nigeria. It holds over a thousand soapstone figures found at Esie, whose origin is still debated by archaeologists.
District profile
Esie
Esie is a Kwara town holding Nigeria's oldest museum and its collection of soapstone figures.
Why stay here: The soapstone images are unique in West Africa and still unexplained.
Atmosphere: Small, rural and museum-centred.
About an hour from Ilorin by road.
Airport journey
- Arrival airportIlorin International Airport (ILR)
- Travel time20 minutes to Ilorin; about an hour to Esie
- Recommended routeIlorin → Offa road → Esie
- Traffic informationLight.
- Ride hailing optionsAvailable in Ilorin.
- Hotel airport pickupAirport taxis are available.
Nearby attractions
More to explore around Esie and the wider Kwara State.
Dada Pottery, Ilorin IlorinA long-established Ilorin pottery quarter where traditional hand-built ceramics are made. 1–2 hours
Sobi Hill IlorinA prominent hill on the edge of Ilorin, climbed for views over the city. 1–2 hours
Ilorin Central Mosque IlorinIlorin's principal Friday mosque and a landmark of the city's Islamic scholarly heritage. 1–2 hours
Emir of Ilorin's Palace IlorinThe seat of the Emir of Ilorin and the ceremonial centre of the city's traditional authority. 1–2 hours
Kwara State Museum, Ilorin IlorinState museum holding archaeological and ethnographic material from the Kwara region. 1–2 hours
Oja Oba Market, Ilorin IlorinThe central market beside the Emir's palace, trading produce, textiles and local foods. 1–2 hours
Owu Waterfalls Owa-KajolaA tall single-drop waterfall reached on foot through farmland and forest near Owa-Kajola, Kwara State. Half a day including the walk
Recommended district
Esie
The soapstone images are unique in West Africa and still unexplained.
Plan the rest of your visit
Build an itinerary around this district, or check what Nigeria requires for entry before you travel.
Sources and verification
Status: Reviewed. Last reviewed 2026-08-01.
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