Freedom Park Lagos The Journey from a Prison to a Memorial Park
Freedom Park Lagos is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lagos. This is due to its rich historical, political, cultural and colonial heritage dating far back as 1882. During its reign, it was one of the most guarded prisons in Nigeria. It holds top criminals and independent agitators.
Freedom Park Lagos is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lagos. This is due to its rich historical, political, cultural and colonial heritage dating far back as 1882. During its reign, it was one of the most guarded prisons in Nigeria. It holds top criminals and independent agitators.
It is a memorial and leisure park located on Lagos Island along the popular Broad Street Lagos. If you are looking for a tourist destination to visit in Lagos, A place to visit or something to do in Lagos. The Freedom park Lagos should be top on your bucket list.
The Freedom Park Lagos is not just another Park In Lagos it is a historical landmark, a cultural symbol, a memorial site, an entertainment centre making it a multi-functional park.
History of The Memorial Freedom Park Lagos/ Her Royal Majesty Prison
Before completion, Freedom Park Lagos was known as the Broad street prison or Her Royal Majesty Prison.
Firstly, The Freedom park Lagos was a colonial prison formerly known as her Royal majesty prison is now a tourist site dedicated to the celebration of freedom. What was once known as a colonial tool for oppression and torture is now a symbol of peace, unity, relaxation, entertainment, recreation and a tourist attraction.
Her Royal Majesty Prison
The initial structure was first built in 1882 using a mud wall and grass thatch which usually experience invasion from the opposition of the British government who kept setting it on fire. In 1885 the Colonial Government decided to import bricks from England (which still stand till date) and the prison was upgraded from a 20 capacity prison to accommodate about 250 inmates. Some of the notables ex-convict at the prison include Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Michael Imoudu, Sir Anthony Enahoro, Chief Michael Imodu, Adeyemo Alakija, Lateef Jakande etc
It used to be a Maximum Security prison where rebels, freedom fighters and the oppositions against the then British Colonial Masters were kept.
The Birth of the Freedom Park Lagos
After the Nigerian independence in 1960, The Old prison was demolished and The facility was left in ruins until 2010 when Theo Lawson the CEO of Theo Lawson Consult came up with the bright idea of rebranding and transforming the Broad Street prison ruins into a Freedom park which could help preserve the rich history of the prison. The idea was approved by the then Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola who quickly swung into action and approved the facility for the construction of Freedom park Lagos which was inaugurated to Celebrate the Nigerian Golden Jubilee.
Theo Lawson is also the brain behind the architectural design of the new park. He ensured all the designs of the New Park follows the design of the old park. This was how the Freedom park Lagos was birthed and commissioned in 2010.
Arts and Entertainment Centre
The Freedom Park Lagos offers artistic and creative sculptures by some top artist in Nigeria it also maintains some of the old ruins like the bricks that were used for the fence and the execution ground where prisoners were hunged.
You can’t help but connect with history as you move around this beautifully designed park which was rebuilt to retain its old colonial structural design. As you walk through the integration of the old ruins and the new designs, it helps you appreciate freedom and gives you a brief idea about life in the colonial days.
The Past Meets the Present and The Future
Walking through the park, the designer infused and preserved some of the old parts of the prison into the modern design, For example, the Old walls of the Prison fence is still standing, the gallows where prisoners on death row were hanged has been converted to the main stage , the old prison kitchen was preserved too.
Facilities at the Freedom Park Lagos
The facility has four different entrances The gate A, Gate B, Gate C and D, but you can only access it through two gates which are opened to the public.
This Park is a massive place for any form of events, It has an open space that can be used for live-in-concert, shows e.t.c. It is located in a very serene environment, a cool spot for relaxation. Located in the heart of Lagos Island can accommodate more than 500 persons. The park provides venues and the grounds for events and recreational entertainment, with relevant facilities like :
Facilities at the Park
- Open Air Stage
- Amphitheatre
- Beautiful gardens
- Museum
- Cafeteria
- Pergola Cell (internet booths)
- Skeletal Cells
- Fountains
- Lounge
- Bar
- Food Court
- Ponds and Fountains
- Historical Statues
- Museum Complex
- Historical displays
- Souvenir shops
- Resource centre
- Monuments
- Hall of fame
- Skeletal cells
- Art Gallery
- Obelisk / Fountains
- Pond
- Children playground
- Fountains
- Artworks
- Courtyard
- Cells Units
- Wole Soyinka Art Gallery it was known during the time it was constructed
Gate Fee to the Freedom Park
Unlike some of the other free parks in Lagos, the Freedom park is not free, it attracts a gate fee of Two Hundred Naira (N200) per persons.
Fun Activities to do at Freedom Park Lagos
1. Watch Cultural shows and events
2. Enjoy meals at the popular restaurant
3. Grab a drink with friends
4. Enjoy Live band music
5. Visit the Museum
6. See the beautiful monuments and statues
7. Know more about the Colonial rule in Lagos
8. Enjoy the beauty of the Green landscape
9. Do a picnic
10. Come enjoy the serenity
11. Do photoshoots
12. Romantic date
13. Art Works at The Freedom Park Lagos
14. Shows
15. Film Festivals
16. Exhibitions
17. Workshops
18. Competitions
19. Theatre and Drama events
20. Dance and ballet
21. Live Performance
22. Watch Your favourite soccer games like the Championship, premier league or any sport competitions
Opening and Closing time at The Freedom Park
Unlike other parks in Lagos, the Freedom
Top Events Hosted at The Freedom Park Lagos
The freedom park has featured and hosted top shows and events like the Black Heritage Music Festival, Lagos Carnival, Felabration etc
How to Locate the Freedom Park Lagos
There are several ways to locate the Freedom Park Lagos
Coming from Within Lagos
If you are coming from within Lagos
You can either take a taxi, Taxify (Bolt) or uber straight to the Freedom Park Lagos or board a BRT or other public Transportation systems going to Obalende, CMS or Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on getting there you can then take a Tricycle (Keke) To The Freedom Park which is less than five minutes from these locations.
Use this code to get free rides or discounts on your first trip
Uber brandlers1ui
Taxify/ Bolt – SS2U9
Coming From Outside Lagos
If you are coming from outside Nigeria or another state in Nigeria. Take a flight to Lagos via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, then take a local taxi or but preferably Bolt (Taxify) or Uber (You can download the app from play store or apple store). The taxi will take you straight to the Venue.
Use this code to get free rides or discounts on your first trip
Uber brandlers1ui
Taxify/ Bolt – SS2U9
Location of Freedom Park Is Located
Location: Hospital Rd, Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos.
Even though Freedom park is located in the Lagos Central Business District, visiting this place will ease off the hustle and bustle of the Lagos life. What was once known as the Colonial prison has now become a centre for hope, freedom and entertainment. It has now become a venue for a diverse socio-cultural event, a tourist attraction and a recreational centre.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a lover of art, entertainment or history the Freedom park has something for everyone and we hope you enjoy all the stories it tells.
Other Attractions Close to the Freedom Park Lagos
However, there are other attractions close to Freedom Park Lagos.
- Silverbird Gallery
- National Museum
- Nike Art Gallery
- Tafawa Balewa Square
Rele Gallery,- The
Muson Center - Lagos Motor Boat Club
- Popular Eko / Balogun market
- Tafawa Balewa Square
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