Modern building with flat roof and rammed earth walls, metal sculpture on grass.

A modern building with a flat roof and rammed earth walls, featuring a metal sculpture on a grassy area in front.

Modern building with curved facade, large windows, and a metal sculpture on a grassy lawn.
Modern building with curved entrance, rammed earth walls, overhanging roof, and landscaped area with palm trees.
Building with brown rammed earth wall, circular windows, and light-colored roof with two small trees in front.
Carved stone pillar in a landscaped area with palm plants and a metal water tower in the background.
Interior view through a large window showing sculptures and artifacts on shelves.
Interior of a room with concrete walls and floors, metal shelving units, and high windows.
Interior of a museum with display cases and large windows.
Museum interior with artifacts in glass cases, including sculptures and pottery.
Display case with a sculpture and artifact in a modern interior with wooden columns.
Interior of a large room with columns and metal shelving units.
Exterior view of the MOWAA Institute with a curved facade and arched openings, surrounded by trees and plants.
Museum interior with sculptures in glass cases and people observing the exhibits, featuring large glass windows and natural lighting.
Aerial view of a modern rectangular building with a flat roof surrounded by dense greenery and mist.

Story

A sustainable cultural hub in Benin City

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Institute in Benin City stands as a beacon for cultural reclamation and education. Designed by Adjaye Associates, this 48,000 square foot facility is a single-story structure that utilizes locally sourced rammed earth walls and an in-situ concrete brown roof, embodying a commitment to sustainability. The building's form is a 'box within a box', scalloped at the perimeter to offer expansive views of its interior programs.

Strategically situated within the planned Benin City Cultural District, the MOWAA Institute is more than a museum; it is a secure, facility for the conservation, study, and exhibition of historic artworks. It houses laboratories for archaeological research, a visitor center for community engagement, and administrative offices. The design allows southern daylight to penetrate deep into the climate-controlled storage areas, enhancing the viewing experience in the exhibition gallery.

The surrounding landscaped grounds feature an amphitheater, providing a venue for gatherings and educational events. This institute not only serves as a repository for restituted objects and archaeological finds but also as a hub for training in archaeology, conservation, and museology, reinforcing its role in the cultural and educational landscape of Africa.

  • Locally sourced rammed earth walls and concrete roof

  • 'Box within a box' architectural form

  • Skylights for natural lighting in storage and exhibition areas

  • Amphitheater for educational and community events

Feature Description
Location Benin City, Nigeria
Architect Adjaye Associates
Size 48,000 sq ft
Materials Rammed earth, concrete
Year 2026

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: Rammed earth walls
  • Roof Finish: In-situ concrete brown roof

Materials

  • Rammed Earth — Walls
  • Concrete — Roof and interior elements
  • Glass — Windows and display cases
  • Metal — Shelving units and support columns
  • Wood — Interior elements

Construction / Systems

  • Facade System: Curved facade with large glass windows
  • Structural System: Single-story structure with rammed earth and concrete elements

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Brown, Light-colored roof
  • Lighting: Natural lighting from skylights and large windows

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