Museums And Art Galleries In Nigeria SS1 Visual Arts Lesson Note

DEFINITION OF MUSEUM

A museum is a building, a place or an institution used for the collection, preservation and display of artefacts, relics or other valuable cultural objects representing the history of the people past or present.

A museum is an institution that collects and preserves a valuable part of the cultural heritage of the people.

HISTORY OF MUSEUM IN NIGERIA

The history of museums can be traced to the early 1930s, when Kenneth Cross Murray, an expatriate in Nigeria, initiated the idea of establishing museums in Nigeria.

Another attempt was made by M.E.H. Duckworth in 1933 but all these efforts proved abortive until 1945.

In 1945, the first museum was established by Kenneth Murray and it holds the largest collection of stone figurines (i.e.) Esie Museum.

Shortly after, the establishment of Esie Museum, the first national museum was established in 1952 in Jos with Bernard Fagg, as the Director,

In 954, the Ife National Museum was established, in 1958 Lagos was established and it was established in 1960. Kenneth Murray served as the National Director from 1963- 1967.

From 1980-1986 Dr Ekpo served as Director Dr Ade Obayomi was appointed to serve till 1990 and Dr Yaro Gella took over from him in 1991.

TYPES OF MUSEUM

There are different types of museums and they serve various uses to individuals, groups and the nation.

1. Natural History Museum: This type of museum deals with objects from nature and biological specimens like animal parts, skeletons, plants, rocks etc.
2. Historical Museum: A historical museum holds items of historical value; it deals with the collection of artefacts.
3. War Museum: The war museum is engaged in the collection of military hardware used at particular periods of human development in warfare. E.g. Umuahia war museum in Abia State.
4. Industrial Art Museum: This museum is connected with the preservation of the technology generation and industrial development in a country for future generations to study.
5. Folk Museum: Folk museum centres on items relating to the local ways, customs and ethics of the people of a particular geographical location. E.g. legal tenders, and garments.
6. Aeronautic Museum: this museum is connected with the collection and preservation of space engines like aeroplanes, rockets and satellites. 
7. Zoological Museum: This museum borders on collection, caring for and studying varying types and species of animals in specific geographical locations. 
8. General Museum: this museum is structured to incorporate various items from all other museums (i.e.) mixed items in the museum.
9. Museum of Modern Arts: This type of museum borders on the collection and preservation of recent art. It entails modern philosophy and concept of art; current motifs, forms and ideas that constitute the basis of such artworks.
10. Marine Museum: this type of museum contains se creatures of varying types and species. (i.e.) sea shells, crab and fish etc..

FUNCTIONS OF MUSEUM

The functions of a museum are as follows:

1. It preserves the cultural heritage of a people (ie.) the country’s antiquities.
2. Museums are a good place for research activities. It provides and publishes journals and cultural activities about artworks and artists.
3. Museums employ some people in the country
4. Museums are used to foster ethnic, national and international unity.
5. Museums serve as tourist centres and provide foreign exchange to the nation
6. The museum promotes our cultural heritage and reminds foreign exchange to the nation.
7. The museum spreads knowledge and pleasure to individuals, communities and nations at large.
8. Museums help to inspire pride in people’s culture and maintain continuity from generation to generation.

LOCATIONS OF MUSEUMS IN NIGERIA

DEFINITION OF GALLERY

A gallery is a building or place where artworks are displayed either temporarily or permanently to sell the products. A gallery is a commercial centre for buying and selling artworks and cultural items.

FUNCTIONS OF ART GALLERY

1. It serves as a showroom where different artworks are displayed.
2. It serves as a commercial outlet for artworks.
3. It serves as a reference point for young artists.
4. It also serves as a training ground for upcoming artists.
5. It promotes art and creativity.

LOCATIONS OF ART GALLERIES IN NIGERIA

1. Nike Gallery, Lagos state.
2. National Art Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
3. Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, eti-osa, Lagos.
4. Beauty wall, central area, Abuja municipal, Abuja.
5. Osas Art Gallery, Benin City, Ikpobaokha, Edo state.
6. Casalinda Hotel and Gallery Resort, Abuja municipal, Abuja.
7. Multipurpose Art Gallery, Moniya, Akinyele, Oyo state.
8. Anyi Art Studio and Gallery, Umuahia North, Abia state.
9. Kado Art Gallery, Abeokuta South, Ogun state.
10. Simplart Gallery, Ikorodu, lagos.
11. Aecoblizz Art Gallery, Woji, port-Harcourt, River State.
12. De Grace Concept, Ifo, Ogun state.
13. Armagric concept, IkotEkpene, Akwa-lbom state.