Jaekel House image

Jaekel House

Tourist attraction Historical place museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Alagbede


Address

17 Federal Rd, Ebute Metta, Lagos 101245, Lagos, Nigeria

Contact

+234 802 831 2973

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (384 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Railway (27) Jaekel (20) history (20) Nigerian (19) railway (18) House (16) house (16) visit (14) Nigeria (14) Corporation (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Francisca M. 8 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    I had a beautiful experience learning all about the Nigerian Railway Corporation. The groundskeeper Mr. Henry was very helpful.
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Mrs U. 1 year ago on Google • 53 reviews
    Lovely visit we had on children’s day 2021. I give our visit to Jaekel House, Lagos a 3 star mostly for the mostly well kept outdoor space which is very photoshoot worthy ! More attention can be paid to making sure some of the pieces inside the museum especially the train tracks (which has the potential of being the main attraction) are more well maintained. The garden is also a potential space that could do with some love. All in all, serene and lovely. We perched under some tree in the front and had a picnic. The mgt. let the kids work /ride the handcar for a brief while…that was a highlight!
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 EHINDERO I. 2 years ago on Google • 36 reviews
    Jaekel House Railway Museum is formerly an apartment for the first manager of the Railway corporation. It was built in 1898 and still standing strong. The house features a lovely garden, museums detailing the railway transitions and monuments. The house has a retro and rustic vibes to which makes the place one of the sought after railway destinations.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adebunmi A. 6 months ago on Google • 167 reviews
    The house is full of history. It's been managed by a group dedicated to preserving history, called Legacy 1995. You would need to seat and listen to the facts to be able to understand that the house holds memories and his a monument with a difference.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lady Z. 1 month ago on Google • 46 reviews New
    Unfortunately, on the day I visited there were no guides available to give me a tour. So I just went around myself to capture this beautiful and historical place.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ifeoma A. 2 years ago on Google • 15 reviews
    Jaekel House is a 2-storey colonial mansion built in 1898 on a large expanse of landscaped land and named after the late Francis Jaekel OBE, a former superintendent of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and located in the Railway Compound in Ebute Metta, Lagos. It was formally the residence of the General Manager and was later converted to a senior staff rest house. The building was finally renovated and restored by Prof. John Godwin in collaboration with the Railway Corporation in 2010 and currently converted into a Mini Museum showcasing photographic archives dating from 1940s through to 1970s of personalities, places, historical events in pre- and post-independent Nigeria and houses artefacts (tools, equipment, attires, pictures etc) of the old Railway Corporation. The Mini Museum is currently run by Legacy1995, the Historical & Environmental Interest Group of Nigeria in conjunction with Nigeria Railway Corporation. I've known of it's existence for about a year + now. I'd always looked forward to visiting it and I wasn't disappointed at all! I finally visited Jaekel House from my base Abuja on 17th August 2021. If you're fascinated by or love trains, railways, colonial era and vintage stuff, you should certainly visit Jaekel House! Getting there was pretty easy, though I didn't go by regular public transport. A Bolt ride from my Surulere location to Jaekel House cost N900. They're open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am - 5pm. The compound has the 2 storey mostly wooden building, an installed rail track, some railway equipment, a lush, flower laden garden, fruit trees, a cottage building at the back, which serves as a kitchen, a picnic area and well cut lawn. Pictures are only allowed outside in the compound, of the building and the ground floor room where pictures are hung up. Pictures are not allowed upstairs. Entry is free but donations are requested and accepted after the tour. They keep a visitor's register where you enter you personal information, remarks and donation made. I'll encourage anyone visiting to donate generously as they can afford, as this goes into the upkeep and maintenance of the museum. This place will not only show you the history of Nigeria Railway, it also packs a healthy dose of retro, vintage vibe with the quaint pretty house and lush flower garden. It's a great place to bring kids to learn about history of trains and railway in Nigeria, as well as to relax. They have a picnic/event area that can be rented for picnics and small events. It's also a perfect place for a photoshoot like, pre wedding shoot, romantic/vintage themed shoots, railway themed shoots, all at a fee. Some scenes in kunle Afolayan's movie, October 1st were shot in Jaekel House. The cottage is currently not working, likely due to covid. Things they should do to improvise the place would be; •Do more thorough cleaning inside, especially upstairs where items, pictures and equipments are displayed. •Add some games visitors could play. •Add some concrete chairs in Jaekel's Secret Garden and in the front part of the house. •Publicize the existence of the museum, many people do not know about it. On a scale of 1 - 10, I give it a 9. It took me straight back to my childhood and reminded me of my first train ride in Nigeria at the age of 4 from Enugu to Sokoto. Jaekel House is certainly worth a visit. Go, see...
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Temi G. 2 years ago on Google
    A good place to learn about colonial Lagos and the rail system and architecture of that era. Well preserved artefacts and pictures.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ibinabo O. 2 years ago on Google
    It's stunning to experience this old spot. Seeing it in a lot of movies and then moving forward to experiencing it in person. The garden is also readily available for wedding and outdoorsy events and Mr wale at the spot is such an enlightened man. I hope the Nigerian government is looking for ways to manage this better
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kingsley Oluwaseun U. 1 year ago on Google • 92 reviews
    Jaekel House has been part of the Nigerian railway compound for some decades now and it's the right place to visit as regards the history of corporations. The Jaekel House is a two-storey colonial mansion in Ebute Metta West of Lagos Nigeria. The place was built in 1898 on a large expanse of landscape and named after the late Francis Jaekel OBE, a former superintendent of the Nigerian Railway Corporation who retired in the 1970s after almost three decades of active service. Jaekel House was formally the residence of the general manager and was later converted into a senior staff rest house. The building has been renovated and restored by Professor John Godwin in collaboration with the Railway Corporation in the year 2010. The building is now a mini museum showcasing photographic archives dating from the 1940s through to the 1970s of personalities, places, and historical events in pre and post-independent Nigeria and houses artefacts (tools, equipment, attire, pictures etc.) of the Railway Corporation. It's also one of the fairy tales wedding locations in Lagos Nigerian Nollywood also comes to shoot different movie scenes at the place and also attracts schools from all over to teach their pupils about the history of the Nigerian Railway Corporation People visit from all over the world 🌍 to take pictures and be enlightened about the place. It's a good place to visit and hopefully, the Nigerian Railway Corporation will step up its development of our rail system and make it safer and can ply everywhere I'm the city of Lagos and also Nigeria as a whole. Please if you can pay a visit to the place and you'll learn a thing or two Adios
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Babasola B. 5 years ago on Google • 42 reviews
    Lovely colonial era architecture that has been well restored and preserved. Has a mini museum of the history of railways in Nigeria and also doubles as an events space with lovely ambience. Good for picnics and outdoor events. Museum was closed while I was on site, hence no photos of the interiors. Visit recommended if you want to have a peek into the historical past of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adebunmi A. 5 months ago on Google • 17 reviews
    This place is under funded and needs more publicity. They run a membership drive to keep afloat and hold meetings. I was fortunate to attend it Annual General Meeting, recently. Government is playing its role but we can all do more. It's a big tourist attraction and we need to support it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Olaolu B. 5 months ago on Google • 54 reviews
    Jaekel House holds so much untapped potentials.....with a building of such historical relevance - it can be properly managed with history well preserved. It's has a lush green that MUST be protected and kept at all times....activities around this prime property shld attract creme de la creme. Really nice place that's screaming for more attention and a little more investment to maintain the standard it deserves. Was a good experience but can be better.

  • 3/5 Suliat A. 2 months ago on Google • 44 reviews New
    The house was closed when I visited but I got to explore the surroundings and learn a bit about the old railway corporation.

  • 5/5 samuel o. 2 months ago on Google • 44 reviews New
    So peaceful and then you get to know alot about The history of the railway station

  • 4/5 Tobias D. 4 years ago on Google • 41 reviews
    The same place as the Nigerian railway museum: it’s a nice place with a good atmosphere. It is small though. Good explanation on the board. There is also an upper floor but all the materials are quite outdated. Good to spend 1 hour here. There was no admission fee when I went.

  • 4/5 M. S. 6 years ago on Google
    Great place with a 120 year old colonial house that makes for gorgeous pictures. Has a lovely garden and relic of an old train. Parking space etc. It's well preserved.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Victoria “Vee” O. 5 months ago on Google
    This is an amazing historical experience from the colonial times since 1898, The Jaekel House is a railway museum located at Federal road, Ebute metta. The building was renovated in 2010 and is privately owned by an NGO. This lovely location has an amazing garden for picnics although it's twice the normal visiting charge per head. Visit charge per head: 1000 ngn (This excludes taking pictures or videos) Picnic charge per head: 2000 ngn (This does not include a tour of the place) For shoot or documentary: Discuss with Management.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kojo F. 2 months ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    All there service is faster nice home

  • 4/5 tersoo Samuel t. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a great place it has a very nice and neat environment for picnic

  • 4/5 rachael o. 4 years ago on Google
    Very historic, had pictures of the first set of railway equipments used. Had pictures of some our notable leaders , it was enlightening and eye opening . The scenery is also very great... A real house with it's own garden and mini park!

  • 5/5 Aminat O. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool

  • 5/5 Adekunle E. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice it a old masterpiece and still standing... More or less like a resort or relaxation area.

  • 5/5 onadeko r. 4 years ago on Google
    Historical

  • 5/5 DJ M. 4 years ago on Google
    Fun!

  • 5/5 Tony Udoka S. 4 years ago on Google
    The historical home of Railway heritage.

  • 3/5 Michael O. 4 years ago on Google
    Great

  • 5/5 Uwayzor R. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome place to visit

  • 4/5 Suzan A. 6 years ago on Google
    It is a cool place that I never knew existed but they need to pay attention to creating a great structure to attract tourists.

  • 5/5 olabisi shukurat o. 5 years ago on Google
    It's has a nice ambience to host a wedding reception party I.e if you like flowers, garden and rustic theme events..

  • 5/5 Okpor J. 2 years ago on Google
    Its such a nice place, great for outdoor picnic, wedding etc , the rail history is such a beaut...... Artifact, pictures, journals were all so beautifully arranged and also you get to know so much about how the nigerian railway system was been operated back then and even now. In all it was worth sightseeing.

  • 5/5 Folasiji B. 2 years ago on Google
    Built in 1898 and well maintained by Legacy group. This house contains a piece of our history

  • 4/5 Adams N. 2 years ago on Google
    A very serene environment. I really loved the compound. You can also have your wedding there..

  • 4/5 Beryl A. 2 years ago on Google
    Exciting place to organize team bonding sessions.

  • 4/5 Hafis O. 2 years ago on Google
    Built in 1898, Jaekel House is named after the last superintendent of the Nigerian Railway who served for 27 years in the corporation before handing over to a Nigerian. The structure is a one story building inside the Nigerian Railway compound which is currently being managed by an NGO called Legacy. This historical building has some artefacts and is and it's architecture is of the old tropical architectural design which allows for more air on the top floor and the basement built with brick. The Legacy which is handling it is preserving not only the history of Nigerian development but also of how it has spanned over the decades. There are some artefacts that are woth thousands of pounds still in this building but isn't cared about by the government of the day. The environment is a good one, with a lot of parking space, good for a small size wedding or luching program. Jaekel house is so close to the main administrative building of Nigerian Railway Corporation and Federal Medical Centre at Ebutte Metta.

  • 5/5 Olaiya A. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    No knowledge without history. Will visit a second time.

  • 4/5 Diva L. 6 years ago on Google
    Lovely place. Loved the gardens and settings by the side.

  • 5/5 Shodipe A. 4 years ago on Google
    A museum showing the history of railway in Nigeria

  • 5/5 Feecozy E. 4 years ago on Google
    For historical purposes visit jaekel house

  • 5/5 umar l. 4 years ago on Google
    Visit

  • 5/5 Tola G. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful historical experience

  • 5/5 Simon G. 4 years ago on Google
    A peek into Nigeria's past, and possibly future!

  • 5/5 Simon G. 4 years ago on Google
    History and heritage, an amazing story!

  • 3/5 Ogundele O. 3 years ago on Google
    The Railway Museum is a good place to know more about the history of Railway corporations in Nigeria.

  • 5/5 Houessou J. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Houessu jonas (Original) Houessu jonas

  • 3/5 Onifade O. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place

  • 5/5 Rotimi B. 4 years ago on Google
    Really great museum about Nigeria's railway history

  • 1/5 David Omololu A. 5 years ago on Google
    We were left standing outside as the manager was no where to be found. We called him and he keep saying he was nearby until we left past one pm.

  • 4/5 Abiodun A. 6 years ago on Google
    jaekels secret garden or Jaekel House at The Nigerian Railway Compound, located in Ebute Metta. Jaekel House is a mini museum dedicated to showing the nitty gritty of the Nigerian Railway system when it was at its prime. The museum is managed by Legacy 1995 and they’ve tried to keep it as authentic as possible and continue to do restoration work. Lagos was one of the first cities in Africa to get a railway line.  The Nigerian Railway came into existence on October 3, 1912 and became an autonomous public corporation in 1955. The gauge of the NRC track is 3ft 6in with a countrywide mileage of 2,680 equating to 4,313 kilometres but this will probably be replaced by the standard gauge track that is presently being worked on. The highest point on the system is 30 km outside Jos and is 1318 meters above sea level. There are 3505 narrow reach rail networks currently but with the on going plans to develop rail transport it should increase. Legacy also asks people who stop by to volunteer in their gardening so if you’re into that, it’s a great opportunity to get your hands dirty. normally not visible from the roadside but very very good tourist attraction.

  • 3/5 anyaoha c. 4 years ago on Google
    Mini museum of railway history, artefact and research

  • 4/5 Chioma J. 6 years ago on Google
    This place is awesome. Is typically 119 years old. Am blown away by this place. It's in the old railway compound also known as Old Museum

  • 4/5 Olayinka O. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice and serene environment.

  • 4/5 oluwatoyin m. 6 years ago on Google
    very decent museum experience with young minds trying to bring the place alive with some fresh ideas. So many possibilities. Had a good experience.

  • 4/5 Rahmon O. 4 years ago on Google
    The Jaekel house is a beautifically restored classic colonial mansion, located within the grounds of the Nigerian Railway Corporaton, Ebute-Metta, which is on Lagos mainland. It is now a mini Museum and photo Exhibition celebrating the prime of the Nigerian Railway Corporation during colonial times. The design and construction of the building allowed for the flow of naturally occurring breeze, which helped to cool the house and was typical of colonial houses built in equatorial latitudes around the world. The Railway Compound itself is an oasis of tranquility, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city and is only a 15-minute traffic-free journey to and from Ikoyi. A visit to the Mini-Museum is time well spent, with the photographic exhibitions – “Nigeria in transition” and “The colonial railways” providing glimpses into the country’s colonial past and evidence, of the sheer beauty and craftsmanship of the buildings in the this

  • 5/5 Saveo V. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to film

  • 5/5 Theophilus E. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool place

  • 4/5 Setemi O. 4 years ago on Google
    Has a love garden attached

  • 5/5 Luqman O. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a wonderful place to visit and for your celebration

  • 5/5 Prince U. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting area in nrc compound Ebute Metta

  • 4/5 oluwafemi m. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place, you get to know more about history.

  • 5/5 Emeka O. 4 years ago on Google
    Quiet and serene.

  • 5/5 Shola A. 4 years ago on Google
    An amazing place to take kids. Engaging and informative! ??????

  • 1/5 Angela O. 4 years ago on Google
    Very good for outing

  • 5/5 tomi o. 4 years ago on Google
    Very well restored. Beautiful spacious grounds. Educative. All the works. It's a good place to hang out on a weekend.

  • 4/5 Olasupo O. 4 years ago on Google
    Wow! Amazing time

  • 5/5 efuntade s. 4 years ago on Google
    Within railway compound

  • 5/5 Yusuf J. 4 years ago on Google
    Accommodating!

  • 5/5 Ajike H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great history

  • 4/5 Olumide O. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place

  • 4/5 Tamara C. 4 years ago on Google
    A place where history is frozen in photos and artefacts. It has a lovely little garden, perfect for hangouts and picnics. The tour guide was very warm and polite.

  • 5/5 Opeyemi A. 4 years ago on Google
    who do i contact for a visit


Call +234 802 831 2973 Open on Google Maps

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