Designed as a multifunctional space, Mowaa will feature an auditorium, conference rooms, and conservation labs, constructed using rammed earth to honor traditional Benin architecture.

The museum will feature advanced facilities, including climate-controlled laboratories and galleries, to support its mission of preserving and promoting African heritage.

Shadreck Chirikure, an archaeological science professor at the University of Oxford, believes Mowaa has the potential to become a leading institution for managing returned artifacts and showcasing contemporary African capabilities in heritage preservation.

While Mowaa will not house returned Benin bronzes, it aims to address the infrastructural gaps that hinder the restitution of artifacts, reflecting ongoing efforts in this area.

The global momentum towards returning looted art is increasing, with institutions in the UK, Germany, and the US returning or pledging to return items, despite challenges faced by major institutions like the British Museum.

The institute will include two galleries: a fixed atrium for long-term collections and a special exhibition gallery for temporary displays, with an inaugural exhibition planned for May 2025.

Mowaa's design incorporates multiple exhibition spaces linked by gardens and performance areas, reflecting the historical layout of ancient Benin City.

Workshops and archaeological excavations at Mowaa are fostering dialogue about the role of contemporary African museums in society.

The Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) is being established in Benin City, Nigeria, to challenge the perception that Africa lacks the capacity to manage its cultural heritage.

The museum will showcase archaeological finds and historic treasures, providing a platform for African artists and researchers to engage with their cultural roots.

Phillip Ihenacho, Mowaa's executive director, envisions the museum as a center for economic opportunity and community development, celebrating West Africa's creative diversity.

Mowaa is located on a 15-acre campus and is dedicated to reclaiming and preserving African heritage, influenced by the artistic legacy of the Benin Kingdom.