Coronation Group has announced its partnership with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to establish the Coronation Gallery in Benin, a dedicated space within the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen Facility in Benin City.

The gallery will house and showcase a selection of 119 Benin Bronzes recently repatriated to Nigeria from the Netherlands. This historic return marks the largest repatriation of these cultural treasures since they were taken during the British punitive expedition of 1897.

The announcement followed the official signing and handover ceremony on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the National Museum in Lagos. Dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; daughter of the Oba of Benin, Princess Iku Eware-Aimiuwu; the Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dewi van de Weerd.

the Director General of the NCMM, Olugbile Holloway; Directors of the Wereld Museum and other distinguished guests.

Also in attendance were Coronation Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and other officials.
The Coronation Gallery in Benin, which is expected to be completed and open for public visits later this year, will provide a world-class space for conservation, education, and public engagement, ensuring that these works are not only preserved but meaningfully displayed.

Speaking on the partnership, the Chairman of the Coronation Group, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said: “Far beyond their artistic value, these works represent the depth of our heritage and the strength of our collective identity. Their return marks a powerful restoration of history – a reminder of the dignity, creative excellence, and craftsmanship that have long defined us as a people. We are proud to support their safe return and public preservation, ensuring they inspire future generations and help shape a stronger cultural future for Africa.”

The Director-General of NCMM underscored the significance of private
sector partnership in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

He stated: “I would like to personally thank Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Coronation Group for sharing this vision and for all the invaluable support given to the NCMM in this regard.”