Opened in 1957, the National Museum has collections in archaeology, ethnography and traditional art. Unfortunately, nothing is labelled and guides aren't to savvy. Nonetheless there are interesting items to see, from ancient war robes and carnival costumes to talking drums and old pottery. There are fine bronze sculptures and ivory carvings produced by the Kingdom o Benin, which flourished from the 15th to the 17th centuries. Many Benin bronzes were seized by the British army in 1897 and are held in Museums abroad(including the British Museum) despite Nigeria Governments request for their return.
The Government of yesterday and today gallery covers Nigeria's post colonial generals, presidents and military rulers. One of the most interesting exhibits is the bulletridden black Mercedes in which former president Murtala Mohammed was assasinated in 1976.
The treasures of ancient Nigeria exhibition documents traditional art, with an outside section that looks at local body decorations such such as hair braiding and facial scaring. A museum kitchen offers traditional Nigerian food.