10 EXCEPTIONAL PLACES TO VISIT IN OSOGBO

• Osogbo Arts and metals works
• African Heritage Gallery
• Jungle Communication Centre
• Nike Centre & Culture
• Genesis Gallery, Osogbo
• Osun Groove
• Suzanne Wenger’s House and Centre
• Museum of Arts
• Orisunmibare Market
• Ataoja Royal Palace 

1. Osogbo Arts and Metals works

One of the top places to visit while on holiday in Osogbo. A captivating art house used as a museum in showcasing and preserving Oshogbo’s historical artifacts which gives a lot of information about the town’s establishment in the 18^th century. Activities going on in this place involve metals being artistically shaped and well-crafted in making delectable items. The residents of the town are known for their artistic creativity and prowess, some of such individuals include; Jimoh Braimoh, Nike Arts, Twins seven seven, etc.

2. Ataoja Royal Palace

Located in the heart of the city, the Ataoja’s Palace is an ideal destination for anyone who is interested in indigenous facts about the town and royal pedestal. The palace is home to various traditional artifacts which shows the belief of the people which has been passed down from generations.

3. Osun Groove

The international trado-religious center is regarded as the home of the River Goddess known as Osun (one of the pantheons of Yoruba gods).  A forested area with shrines and sanctuaries in honour of Osun and other deities the groove has been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2005. The groove is a beautiful, enigmatic, with enormous sculptures which are well preserved to serve as a consecrated place for the goddess of fertility (Osun) and other gods.

4. Museum of Arts

A cultural monument site, the museum of arts in Osogbo can be said to be one of the best in Nigeria with regards to its relevance to the Yoruba cultural heritage. The museum is an abode to the artistic intellectual works of many creative people such as wood craving, painting, cloth weaving calabash and metal works. The town is culturally and artistically affiliated to artworks which has immense value to the history of the Yoruba race.

5. Nike Arts Gallery

Established in 1983 by Nike Daves Okundaye an internationally recognized artist and cultural enthusiast, the Centre is an epitome of cultural heritage. It has had the first of several exhibitions in the 70s. The Centre has attracted numerous individuals thereby making the town a tourist destination for fun seekers. Apart from its cultural and artistic relevance Nike Arts Gallery is also known for its humanitarian services. Over the years it has trained thousands of young Nigerians in different forms of artworks making them independent and financially stable.

6. Jungle Communication Centre

 A citadel of spiritual and cultural excellence. The JCC at Osogbo is a Centre for West African traditional medicine, spirituality, drumming, dancing, and craft. Founded by a poet, traditional priest, drummer, and medicine man Okonfo Rao Kawawa, the Centre is located in a forest region at the border of Osogbo. JCC is an ideal place for people who love the simplicity and aesthetic effects of the African culture and religion. The main aim of the Centre is to support the communication and naturality on a spiritual level through drumming, dancing, and craftsmanship

7. African Heritage Gallery

Established by Jimoh Buraimoh who is one of the town’s popular artist, the African heritage gallery is truly a reflection of the African artistic proficiency. He is regarded as the first African bead artist who invented the art of bead painting. A contemporary artist who has managed to bring the traditional art technique together with the modern day design. The gallery has a lot of astonishing artwork which shows case the African heritage and diversity.

8. Suzanne Wenger House 

Susan Wenger’s house remains one of the few architectural destinations in the town. The Austrian priestess has been able to create a religious and cultural movement whose impact can still be adherently felt even after her demise. Adunni Olorisa as she was popularly called during her lifetime contributed a great deal of effort in renovating the then discarded Osun groove. The house is famous for its mixed and uncommon architectural structure. It stands as a reflection of the Brazilian style of building which reflects some phases of Nigerian architectural past. Interwoven images of humans and animals are used in designing the building which brings feeling of inquisitiveness on the intent behind the structure. Suzanne Wenger House has being a great tourist attraction as thousands of people come over from all works of life to admire and study this rare architectural site. 

9. Genesis art gallery Osogbo

Located at station road Osogbo, Genesis art gallery whose main aim is showcasing and promotion of the wealth of creative arts, literature, dance and drama of Nigeria is masterminded and founded by Adeyinka Fabayo. The southeast Essex College of Arts and Technology graduate has been able to create artworks that are influenced by his love for nature and cultural incentives.

10. Orisumibare market

 Apart from its artistic prowess and innovations, the city is also known for its industrial activities. Close to Dugbe, the Orisumibare market is a popular market due to the large amount of different foodstuffs and groceries sold in the market which ranges from rice to cereals, provisions and so on. It is not an open market which gives buyers opportunity of having no restrictions in their movements as the shops are arranged in a linear manner

Although the City of Osogbo can be regarded as ancient yet it has learnt to use the traditional heritage which it grew within in inviting the world to her doorstep. Osogbo is one of the most influential and captivating towns in Nigeria. With its temperate weather combined with lots of artistic inventions, Osogbo can be said to be a city with many faces.