10 Must-Visit Art Galleries in Nairobi
Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is a bustling art scene with well-known galleries housing an outstanding collection of artworks. From paintings telling stories of Kenya’s creatives to graffiti-laced walls, Nairobi’s art scene is undeniably thrilling.
So, which art galleries in Nairobi boast the most extensive collection of contemporary artworks? In no particular order, here are galleries every art enthusiast should explore once or a few more times in Nairobi.
List of Art Galleries in Nairobi
1. Nairobi Gallery
The Nairobi Gallery is one of the most popular art galleries in Nairobi. The gallery, which was built in 1913, is located in the heart of Nairobi City on Uhuru Highway.
From 1963 to 1984, the building served as the PC’s office and was nicknamed ‘Hatches, Matches and Dispatches’ because it’s where births, marriages and deaths were recorded. It was declared a national monument in 1995, and then its ownership was transferred to the National Museums of Kenya two years later.
Since then, Nairobi Gallery has become an ideal destination for art enthusiasts as it has an amazing collection of art from the best artists from Africa and beyond. The gallery contains Joseph Murumbi’s photos, wood carvings, Nubian baskets, African tools and traditional weapons, pieces of furniture and utensils that will leave you in awe.
2. Karen Village
Karen Village is a beautiful art destination in Nairobi, located along Ngong Road. The gallery is stacked with works of some of the most talented artists in Kenya, waiting to be explored. The good thing about this gallery is that you can interact with the artists and learn a thing or two about art.
Also, Karen Village has an events space and holds tours, allowing visitors to interact with the community.
Worried about your stomach? No need to be as Karen Village has several eateries, including an Ethiopian cuisine that serves various delicacies.
3. Nairobi Railways Museum Art Gallery and Centre
Nairobi Railway Museum Art Gallery, located along Station Road, was established in January 2012 by Educultural Artists Kenya (ECAK) in collaboration with the management of the Railways Museum. It is one of the five sections of the Nairobi Railway Museum and boasts a variety of artwork and paintings, some holding deep cultural meaning. The other sections are the Museum Resource Centre, the Main Gallery (collection of smaller items), the auditorium, and an outdoor collection of coaches, locomotives, and wagons.
