Mercado Municipal (Municipal Market), Lagos

Door Factory burned down. That was in 1915. This building was used solely to sell fruits and vegetables. But there is more to life than fruit and vegetables. One must have fish. Some cafe would not be amiss. Meats are a must have and places to dine with a view. Then one could live better. The Municipal Market was a no-brainer.

The Municipal Market was built in 1924 over the place where the Door Factory used to be. To answer the need for variety, the Market is divided into three floors. The ground floor has stalls of fish and seafood and butchers. The first floor (2nd floor in USA) keeps the fruit and veggies and other stuff in six stores, and adds a cafe.

On the third floor is the coup-de-main. A restaurant with a terrace overlooking the bay of Lagos. The upper floor can be reached by stair and a panoramic elevator. There is also access to the Lagos Life Science Center, behind the Market. The interior south wall of the building is sheathed in colorful tiles designed by artist Xana.

The Market was nominated for the Alexandre Herculano National Prize for Architecture in 2006.