Permanent Exhibition

Role: Project Direction and Lead Design

In January 2018, the Governor of Lagos State announced a plan to develop a cultural hub on Lagos Island to promote tourism as part of a ‘post-oil’ economy. The John Randle Centre is a central part of that initiative and the beginning of a new interest amongst Lagosians in their evolving cultural heritage.

The new permanent exhibition story was developed with a high profile board of academic advisers leading to a multi-faceted exhibition concept that incorporates mythology as well as the recorded history of Yoruba culture. Alongside famous and well-recognised Yoruba art forms, the new centre features the music, literature and art of the modern era including the works of the giants of the Nigerian scene, Wole Soyinka and Fela Kuti.

A future section describes the recent development of ‘Afro-futurism’ through innovative new interactive software that provides an experience of future Yoruba culture at the end of the 21st century.

This exhibition is replete with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. Separate gesture interactives enable visitors to perform with virtual masquerade figures, and learn to use the powers of supernatural Orisa (deities).

Design: Ralph Appelbaum Associates

Area: 1,000 square metres