National Theatre Lagos: History, Reopening and Visiting Notes

The National Theatre in Iganmu, reopened in 2025 as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

Last checked: 27 Oct 2026

Circular National Theatre building in Iganmu, Lagos, with sloping concrete supports, parked cars and the city skyline beyond. — Photo: S.aderogba, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and compressed.

Quick facts

State: Lagos State
City: Iganmu (Surulere)
Category: Museums and art
Location: Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos
Built: Completed in 1976 for the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC)
Builder: A Bulgarian company, listed as Techno Exporstroy
Renamed: July 2024, in honour of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka
Reopened: 1 October 2025, as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts
Managed by: Theatre Partners Limited, a public-private joint venture, according to ThisDay

The National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, is described as Nigeria’s primary performing arts centre. Built for FESTAC 77, it reopened on 1 October 2025 as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts after restoration.

History

The theatre was completed in 1976 in preparation for the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture, known as FESTAC 77. Construction began under General Yakubu Gowon and finished under Olusegun Obasanjo. A Bulgarian company, listed as Techno Exporstroy, built it.

Its design is shared with the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria, completed in 1968. Wikipedia says the Lagos theatre’s exterior was built to look like a military hat.

The original layout included a 5,000-seat main hall with a collapsible stage and two cinema halls. It also provided simultaneous translation in eight languages.

The restoration

The Federal Government handed the complex to the Bankers’ Committee in July 2020. The committee announced the completed restoration on 28 August 2024. Ade Laoye of ECAD Architects was the renovation architect.

According to Guardian Nigeria, the main bowl now has about 4,600 seats. The complex also has a banquet hall, two exhibition halls and three cinema halls. These restored spaces differ from the original layout.

The theatre was renamed in July 2024 in honour of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.

Reopening

President Bola Tinubu reopened the centre on 1 October 2025 during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations. According to ThisDay, Theatre Partners Limited, a public-private joint venture, manages it.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the renovation cost N68 billion and was fully funded by the Bankers’ Committee. This is the renovation cost he reported, not a visitor price.

Cardoso listed performance halls, cinemas, art galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal studios, medical facilities and outdoor gardens among the facilities.

Visiting

Wikipedia describes the roof garden as a public space with views of Lagos. Opening hours, ticket prices and public access terms are not stated in our sources, so check before you go.

Lagos is not named in the UK Foreign Office lists of areas where it advises against all travel or all but essential travel (page updated 22 Oct 2026).

For other places in Lagos, see Tafawa Balewa Square, Freedom Park and Nike Art Gallery. Browse the Lagos city guide and read is Nigeria safe to visit? before planning your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the National Theatre in Lagos?

In Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos.

What is the Wole Soyinka Centre?

It is the renamed National Theatre, now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. It was renamed in July 2024 in honour of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.

Is it open to visitors?

It reopened on 1 October 2025. Opening hours and public access terms are not stated here, so confirm before visiting.