Yemisi Shyllon Museum wins Nigeria’s top art gallery award

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), located at Pan-Atlantic University, has received the 2025/2026 Travellers Award in the category of Top Art Galleries and Museums in Nigeria. The recognition was announced during the opening ceremony of the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market held on September 13, 2026, in Lagos.

Organized by ATQ News and Travellers Magazine, the awards followed a public voting process to honor organizations contributing to Africa’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. YSMA Director Dr. Jess Castellote stated that the award reflects the museum’s mission to make Nigerian art and cultural heritage accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences through the intersection of art, education, and public engagement.

Founded in 2020, the museum houses over 1,000 artworks by prominent Nigerian modern and contemporary artists. Beyond preservation, the institution serves as a hub for cultural tourism through exhibitions, workshops, and community programs designed to support the educational mission of Pan-Atlantic University.