Tucked inside an old hotel in Lagos, Nahous is a cultural hub that blends old architecture with new contemporary vision. A creative space that combines art, fashion and design. Situated in the east wing of Lagos Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, an extension originally commissioned for Festac ’77.
Walking into Nahous is a journey through time. The doors lead into a blend of art deco interior that features large rooms and exposed walls. What used to be the ground floor that had a check-in area and banquet hall has now been converted to a gallery, a store that features only Nigerian designs and products, furniture showroom, a bar and a multifunctional space.
According to Nahous founder, Richard Vedelago, "the Old Federal Palace Hotel is one of Lagos’ most iconic structures and it carries the spirit of Nigeria’s post independence optimism and having Nahous there is intentional. It’s about honoring that era of ambition. While giving it new life through a cultural lens. Visitors often remark that it feels like stepping into the past and the future at once.
Nahous seeks to reprogram how culture is consumed. Instead of one-off events or seasonal shows, it is designed as an ongoing ecosystem where exhibitions, talks residencies, performances and dining intersect."
Vedelago himself designed Nahous in 3 months, while maintaining the original architectural integrity of the old Federal Palace building. As part of an effort to preserve the space’s original form, he transformed the old kitchen into an open concept bar called Bar 77 after Festac 77. The bar still features the subway tiles and the historic mood of a kitchen that’s been around since before Nigeria’s independence ( the signing of Nigeria’s declaration of independence took place in one of the boardrooms) and fed many dignitaries and patrons at the time.
The ambition of Nahous is primarily around cultural reprogramming of how we think of contemporary Nigerian life. From the design of the space to the Nigerian street food-inspired menu that is quite rare in many restaurant spaces. The vibe is calm, artistic and focused on fostering creativity and conversation. It is best described as a place for community and independent thinking.
