Overview:

The National Arts Theatre Lagos in Nigeria is known as the premier performing arts centre in the country, playing a key role in the cultural life of the nation for over four decades. Originally founded in 1976, the theatre is now managed by National Theatre Management Organization (NAML) and is home to a variety of performing arts companies including the National Troupe of Nigeria, the National Ballet of Nigeria, the National Dance Drama Company, the Nigerian Choral Art Society, and the Nigerian Poetry Society. The theatre houses a variety of performance spaces including the Main Theatre, the Open Air Amphi Theatre, the Little Theatre and the Folks Theatre. It also hosts conferences, workshops, and seminars on theatre and performative arts. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

1. Grand Lobby: The grand lobby of the National Arts Theatre is the main entry point for visitors to the venue, featuring a grand staircase and plenty of comfortable seating. 2. Multi-Purpose Auditorium: The main auditorium of the National Arts Theatre seats close to 1, 740 people and is suitable for hosting theatre shows, dance performances, concerts, film screenings and even conferences. 3. Conference Hall: The venue also features a dedicated Conference Hall, capable of hosting events for up to 400 people and equipped with modern audio-visual facilities. 4. Art Gallery: The National Arts Theatre also houses a permanent exhibition of selected works from Nigerian and West African artists. 5. Banquet Hall: The venue also features a Banquet Hall, which is ideal for hosting events such as corporate functions and weddings. 6. Food Court: There is also an on-site food court, offering a variety of cuisines, including local delicacies. 7. Outdoor Gardens: The venue features landscaped outdoor gardens, with plenty of places to sit, relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

The National Arts Theatre was established in 1977, built as an initiative of the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo to provide a platform for the promotion of the creative arts. The theatre was built in the Ikoyi neighbourhood of Lagos and is the largest cultural centre in West Africa. The theatre was designed by Oluwole Betiku, a Nigerian architect, and features an elegant and modern design with a large theatre seating capacity of more than 1,200 people. In 1987, sixteen years after its conception, the theatre was renamed ‘National Arts Theatre’. The theatre remains one of the most significant cultural landmarks of Nigeria and the African continent. It hosts a variety of theatrical and musical concert productions year round, including Nigerian ballets, operas, dramas, plays, as well as ballet performances, classical concerts, and contemporary dance productions. The National Arts Theatre is also home to the National Arts Festival, an annual event that showcases Nigerian art, music, theatre, dance, and the creative spirit of Nigeria. The festival has been held almost every year since its establishment in 1977. In 2001, the National Arts Theatre was listed as a cultural heritage site by the Nigerian government, recognizing its importance to Nigeria and the African continent. The theatre continues to promote Nigerian arts and creativity, serving as an important platform for Nigerian and international artists to showcase their art. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The National Arts Theatre is the largest single theatre in Nigeria and one of the most prominent landmarks of Lagos State. 2. It is the headquarters of the National Troupe of Nigeria, and host to many cultural and entertainment programs. 3. The original design of the National Arts Theatre was derived from contemporary postmodern thinking combining various traditions of architecture such as the Islamic, conventional Nigerian, and the European. 4. Construction of the National Arts Theatre commenced in 1977 during the military regime ofNigeria's then-headof state, General Olusegun Obasanjo. 5. In April 1979 the National Arts Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time. 6. The theatre was officially commissioned in February 1980 by President Shehu Shagari. 7. The theatre has a large auditorium with a capacity of 2300 people including an orchestra pit. 8. It also has the largest theatre stage in West Africa, measuring 365m² (3,937 sqft). 9. The lobby of the National Arts Theatre also features a mural titled “The Source of a People”, a 12-panel painting commissioned by the Ministry of Information and Culture in Nigeria to commemorate the creation of the country in 1960. 10. The National Arts Theatre was renovated in 2011 by the Lagos State government. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era