National Arts Theatre
Surulere, Lagos State
The 1976 National Arts Theatre at Iganmu, a landmark of Nigerian cultural architecture.
Maersk Line · CC BY-SA 2.0
Visiting information
- Address
- Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos 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
- 1–2 hours
About this place
Completed in 1976 for FESTAC '77, the National Arts Theatre at Iganmu is one of Nigeria's most recognisable buildings. It has been the subject of a long-running restoration and creative-hub redevelopment programme.
District profile
Surulere
Surulere is a mainland residential district built around Nigeria's national sports and cultural venues.
Why stay here: It holds the National Theatre and the National Stadium, two landmarks of post-independence Lagos.
Atmosphere: Residential and neighbourly, with a strong sporting and music culture.
Ride-hailing from the island takes 30–60 minutes depending on bridge traffic.
Airport journey
- Arrival airportMurtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Ikeja
- Travel time45–90 minutes to Lagos Island and Ikoyi
- Recommended routeAirport Road → Ikorodu Road → Third Mainland Bridge → Ikoyi Link Bridge
- Traffic informationHeaviest 16:00–20:00 on weekdays; a Saturday arrival is noticeably faster.
- Ride hailing optionsUber and Bolt both serve the airport from the designated pickup bay.
- Hotel airport pickupPre-book a hotel car. Meet drivers at the official arrivals kerb, never in the car park.
Nearby attractions
More to explore around Surulere and the wider Lagos State.
National Museum Lagos Lagos IslandNigeria's national museum in Onikan, holding archaeological, ethnographic and modern collections. 1.5–2 hours
Freedom Park Lagos IslandA colonial-era prison site on Broad Street rebuilt as a memorial park and open-air arts venue. 2–3 hours
Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos IslandAnglican cathedral on the Marina, consecrated in 1946. 1–2 hours
Badagry Heritage Museum BadagryMuseum in the former District Officer's building documenting Badagry's role in the transatlantic slave trade. 1.5–2 hours
Lekki Conservation Centre LekkiNigerian Conservation Foundation reserve protecting coastal wetland, with a long canopy walkway. A full day or more
Tarkwa Bay Beach Lagos IslandSheltered beach on an island off Lagos harbour, reached only by boat from the mainland or island jetties. Half a day
Lufasi Nature Park Ibeju-LekkiPrivately run conservation park along the Lekki–Epe corridor protecting remnant forest and endangered species. 2–3 hours
Balogun Market Lagos IslandLarge street market on Lagos Island, long associated with textiles and wholesale trade. 1–2 hours
Recommended district
Surulere
It holds the National Theatre and the National Stadium, two landmarks of post-independence Lagos.
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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