Shyllon Museum opens doors to the public to broaden public access to art
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, has announced that admission to the museum will become free for all visitors beginning June 15, 2026.
The move, minders of the museum said is aimed at broadening public access to Nigerian art and deepen cultural participation across diverse audiences.
The initiative, the first of its kind since the museum’s establishment, has been made possible through the generous support from Aisha and Gbenga Oyebode, who are among Nigeria’s most active art collectors and philanthropists. They have committed to funding the programme for an initial period of three years. Mr. Oyebode also serves as a member of the YSMA Museum Advisory Board.
“By removing financial barriers to entry, YSMA hopes to welcome significantly larger audiences into its galleries while strengthening its role as a center for learning, tourism, research, and public engagement”, a statement from the organisation reads.
“For a museum founded on the principle that art should educate, inspire, and serve society, the initiative represents more than free admission — it is an investment in cultural inclusion and the democratization of access to heritage and creativity”.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Jess Castellote, Museum Director, described the development as progressive for the institution and its audiences.
“This is an important moment in the history of YSMA,” he said. “Making the museum freely accessible to the public removes an important barrier between people and culture. It allows more students, families, young creatives, researchers, tourists, and everyday visitors to encounter Nigerian art in meaningful ways. We are deeply grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Gbenga Oyebode for their generosity and vision in supporting an initiative that aligns perfectly with the museum’s mission of accessibility, education, and public service.”
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