Named after Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa Square is situated in the heart of Lagos island. The national monument is surrounded by impressive buildings and memorial sites, and is in constant use for a variety of celebrations and official functions. Initially conceived as a “Race Course”, a leisure site for the British colonial enterprise, the 14.5-hectare space was covered with concrete and remodelled in 1972 to accommodate State events for the Nigerian military government.
The square has an imposing entrance gate with four giant white horses and seven red eagles suspended above the gateway. Surrounding the square are important buildings including the 26-storied Independence House, which at one point in time, was the tallest building in Nigeria. To its West is The Remembrance Arcade, which commemorates Nigerian soldiers who fought in WWI, WWII and the country’s civil war. Tafawa Balewa Square is also home to the former Nigerian National Assembly building. At a short distance is the National Museum which holds a collection of ancient Nigerian artefacts.
The Tafawa Balewa Square will serve as the venue for the joint 3rd and 4th Editions of the Lagos Biennial 2021 - 2023.
