About Us
MoMCAAL fills a critical gap in global institutions, creating a world-class London museum that champions African artistic excellence and its profound contributions to global culture.
Our Story:
A Vision Realized
The Museum of Modern & Contemporary African Art London was born from an audacious conviction: that African artistic excellence deserves nothing less than a world-class platform in one of the world's great cultural capitals. What began as a visionary idea has blossomed into reality—a premier institution that is redefining how African art is experienced, studied, and celebrated globally.
The Genesis
For too long, African art's profound contributions to global culture remained underrepresented in major international institutions. Despite African artists influencing artistic movements for centuries—from Picasso's engagement with African sculpture to contemporary artists commanding record prices at major auctions—African art lacked a dedicated world-class home outside the African continent.
Our founders recognized this gap not as an insurmountable challenge but as an extraordinary opportunity. They envisioned an institution that would not merely preserve African art but actively champion it—showcasing its depth, celebrating its diversity, and asserting its rightful place at the center of global artistic discourse.
The result is MoMCAAL: a museum unlike any other, where African artistic achievement takes center stage with the presentation, scholarship, and reverence it has always deserved.
Our Founding Vision
MoMCAAL was established with four transformative purposes:
1. Champion African Artistic Excellence Globally
Showcase Africa's creative brilliance on the world stage, ensuring African art is recognized alongside European, American, and Asian masters—not as an afterthought, but as an equal.
2. Create a Cultural Home for the Global African Diaspora
Provide a space where Africans abroad reconnect with their heritage, explore cultural roots, and share this richness with future generations.
3. Platform for Artists and Creative Innovation
Offer African artists unparalleled opportunities for recognition, influence, and connection with global audiences through exhibitions, acquisitions, and programming.
4. Advance Scholarship and Knowledge
Foster deeper understanding through rigorous research, publications, and education. Our Institute of African Studies and Arts (TIASA) produces groundbreaking scholarship that reshapes narratives.
Why London?
London's selection as MoMCAAL's home was both strategic and symbolic. As one of the world's most diverse, cosmopolitan cities, London offers:
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Thriving African Diaspora – Over 1 million people of African descent call London home
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Global Cultural Influence – Visibility and access to international audiences, collectors, and institutions
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Rich Museum Landscape – An ecosystem of world-class institutions that elevates all cultural offerings
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Historical Connections – Opportunities for meaningful dialogue and new narratives
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International Accessibility – A major hub welcoming visitors from across the globe
Building the Collection
From our inception, we committed to building the finest collection of modern and contemporary African art in the world. This required:
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Exceptional Curatorial Vision – Identifying masterworks representing the full spectrum of African creativity
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Strategic Acquisitions – Securing works of highest artistic merit through auctions, private sales, and commissions
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Geographic Breadth – Ensuring representation from all regions: North, South, East, West, and Central Africa
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Historical Depth – Documenting 120 years from early modernist pioneers to today's global stars
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Medium Diversity – Collecting across painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, installation, and new media
Today, our collection exceeds 2,000 works by 150+ artists—the definitive resource for understanding African artistic achievement.
Today and Tomorrow
Today, MoMCAAL welcomes thousands of visitors annually, presents groundbreaking exhibitions generating international acclaim, maintains rigorous educational programs through TIASA, and serves as an essential community hub for Africans across the diaspora.
Our vision remains unwavering: to ensure African art takes its rightful place at the center of global cultural conversation.
Our Mission
Showcase Africa's creative brilliance on the world stage, ensuring African art is recognized alongside European, American, and Asian masters—not as an afterthought, but as an equal.
We exist to ensure African artistic excellence receives the recognition and platform it deserves.
Our Vision
We aspire to be the world's leading institution where African art is explored, appreciated, and redefined for future generations.
We envision a world where African art is universally recognized as central to global art history, where African artists have equal access and recognition, and where scholarship on African art flourishes internationally.
Message From The Founder/President:
O. Paul Andrew
We are delighted to invite you on a journey through the rich and diverse world of Modern and Contemporary African Art. At MoMCAAL, our collection showcases the vibrancy, innovation, and cultural depth of African artists, providing an immersive experience that bridges history, heritage, and modern creativity.
Beyond displaying art, we strive to create a space where Africans in the diaspora can reconnect with their roots, traditions, and evolving artistic expressions. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and interactive experiences, we aim to inform, inspire, and celebrate the dynamic spirit of African art.
Explore, engage, and be part of a movement that honors African creativity and storytelling on a global stage.
Governing Council
H.E Prof. Yemi Osibanjo
Advisory Board Chairman
Lamon Rutten
Advisory Council
Frank Kilbourn
Advisory Council
O. Paul Andrew
Executive Chairman
Olufemi Akinsanya
Advisory Council
Our Partners