Iwalewahaus

Iwalewahaus presents changing exhibitions of contemporary non-European art, with a special focus on African art and the art of the African diaspora.

Besides the exhibitions, there is space for lectures, conferences, concerts, film screenings, and readings about contemporary African culture – a diverse cultural program for families who want to explore African art and culture.

The collection includes modern and contemporary visual art from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific – including significant works from Nigeria and other African countries. This offers children and families a rare chance to discover and explore different cultures.

This includes important artworks from the Nigerian art schools of Oshogbo and Nsukka, African music, video productions from Nigeria and Ghana, as well as African textiles – a multimedia experience for the whole family.

The house emphasizes cultural understanding: the name Iwalewa comes from Yoruba and means “Character is beauty.” This allows art to be experienced beyond exoticism and surface.

Since 2015, Iwalewahaus has hosted the Iwalewa Art Award every two years for young African artists – accompanied by a residency and a public exhibition that gives families exciting insights into the new generation of contemporary African art.