Coronation, museum commission launch gallery for Benin bronzes 

In a move to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage, Coronation Group has partnered with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to establish a gallery to showcase the Benin Bronzes. The gallery will house 119 Benin Bronzes recently repatriated from the Netherlands which is considered the largest return of the historic artefacts since they were […]

In a move to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage, Coronation Group has partnered with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to establish a gallery to showcase the Benin Bronzes.

The gallery will house 119 Benin Bronzes recently repatriated from the Netherlands which is considered the largest return of the historic artefacts since they were looted during the British punitive expedition of 1897.

The official signing and handover ceremony which took place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the National Museum in Lagos, had in attendance the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Princess Iku Eware-Aimiuwu; Dutch Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd; NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway; and executives from Coronation Group.

Scheduled to open later this year at the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen Facility, the Coronation Gallery will serve as a hub for conservation, education, and cultural engagement.

Chairman of Coronation Group, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, described the return of the Bronzes as “a powerful restoration of history”

He said, “Far beyond their artistic value, these works represent the depth of our heritage and the strength of our collective identity. Their return marks a powerful restoration of history, a reminder of the dignity, creative excellence, and craftsmanship that have long defined us as a people. We are proud to support their safe return and public preservation, ensuring they inspire future generations and help shape a stronger cultural future for Africa.”

The Director-General of NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, also praised the partnership, stating the crucial role of private sector support in preserving national heritage.