Here is a list of the Best Art Galleries in Nairobi. Nairobi hosts the majority of the city’s art galleries. Art galleries are places where upcoming and established artists can exhibit or perform their visual and artistic performances. Such locations sell or display artwork.
For years, the Nairobi art scene has been thriving. When in Nairobi, here are the top galleries to visit for contemporary and traditional art you should visit.
List Of Best Art Galleries In Nairobi
1. Banana Hill Art Gallery
Banana Hill Art Gallery is one of the most prestigious art galleries in the city and the country. The famous art gallery is located just 10km from Red Hill Art Gallery, and you can access it via Limuru Road and Ndenderu-Banana Links Road.
The art gallery was established in 1995 by Rahab and Shine Tani to support artists in Kenya. Banana Hill Art Gallery now hosts over 70 artists from all over Africa and has more than 20-priced pieces. They sell sculptures and paintings by both upcoming and established artists. The space strives to bring artists and clients together, ensuring that talented artists have a place to showcase and benefit from their talent.
The art gallery is open from Monday to Saturday (10 am to 6 pm) and Sundays (12 pm to 6 pm).Â
Contacts: 0711 756 911, 070 080 7362, 0733 882 660
2. The GoDown Art Centre
The GoDown Art Centre was established in 2003. Over the years, it has transformed into a multidisciplinary centre for contemporary art that nurtures East Africa’s creative potential. The centre has housed some of Kenya’s most renowned artists, including Peterson Kamwathi.
They host exhibitions that range from photography to paintings and sculptures. The space is well-known for the Kenya Burning photographic exhibition, which demonstrated to the world the extent of the country’s violence following the contested 2007 presidential elections. The GoDown Art Centre has also hosted local events such as Dunda Mtaani and Nai Ni Who and the GoDown Gig, which are great at showcasing artists’ skills.
The GoDown Art Centre is located at Khayawe Rd in Kilimani. Regular shows and cultural nights are usually held at the gallery. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays.
Contact: 0726 992 200
3. Artz, Nairobi
Arguably the best commercial art gallery in Nairobi, Artz is located on the ground floor of the Village Market, an immense family-friendly mall complete with cinemas, a bowling alley, and a trampoline park. Some of East Africa’s best-known artists are represented here, among them Daniel Njoroge, Jane Wanjeri, and Hendrick Lilanga, along with many emerging new talents. Overall, it’s difficult to imagine you’ll find a larger or more varied selection of contemporary paintings for sale elsewhere in East Africa. As with Diani Beach Art Gallery, Artz is run by enthusiasts and geared up for international shipping.
4. Circle Art Gallery
Visit Circle Art Gallery to enjoy Kenyan art if you are ever along Riara Road. It is Lavington’s top gallery. The centre was established in 2012 with the main goal of promoting contemporary art from East Africa. Circle Art Gallery in East and Central Africa’s home for contemporary art. East African art is breaking into the global art scene, and the term Circle Art has come to represent this process. The gallery’s curated and exhibited art is most thought-provoking and demanding.
The Circle Art Gallery is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Contact: 0790 289 991
5. Red Hill Art Gallery
The gallery is along Julian’s Road, Gatatha Road, Redhill, Red Hill Art Gallery was built to be light and airy, tucked away in a beautiful garden with views of the Nairobi skyline. It’s open daily from 11 am to 5 pm.
The gallery provides a stunning and wholly appropriate space devoted to a passion for African Art. The gallery owns a large collection, amassed over 25 years by the owners, that amounts to a very astutely selected cross-section of the finest modern and contemporary African artwork, including paintings and sculptures. This collection provides the foundation of the exhibition program.
Contacts: 0700 108989, 0700 108 626
6. One Off Contemporary Art Gallery
Carol Lees, an art enthusiast, established One-Off Gallery in 1994. It features work by both local and international artists with ties to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Sudan. Some of the many artists whose work you’ll see featured as you walk around the gallery include Peterson Kimathi, Peter Ngugi, Lisa Milroy, Anthony Okello, Elias Mung’ora, Ehoodi Kichapi, and Harrison Mburu. One-Off Contemporary Gallery was named to Departure Magazine’s list of the best things to do in Nairobi in 2011.
If you want to visit this magnificent place, it is located at 16 Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate off Limuru Road. It is open from 11 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
Contact: 0722 521 870
7. Matbronze Art Gallery and FoundryÂ
Matbronze was founded in 1987 by Mathews Denis to make African wildlife timeless. It depicts the beauty of Africa’s wildlife through handcrafted bronze sculptures. Animals, plants, accessories, and home items are among the sculptures available.
The Art Gallery is located on Kifaru Lane in Nairobi on the Karen Blixen property in the Karen suburb and is open daily from 8 am to 5.30 pm.
Contact: 0721 762 855
8. Nairobi Art Gallery
The Nairobi Art Gallery, which is located on Kenyatta Avenue, first opened its doors in 2013. It is part of Kenya’s National Museums and houses some of Africa’s most valuable treasures, such as jewelry, paintings, tapestries, trinkets, and other items.
The gallery is small, but don’t be surprised if you fall in love with a new piece of art every time you visit. Aside from housing works of art, the Nairobi Art Gallery is a historic site because it was formerly the Provisional Commissioner’s Office, where birth, marriage, and death certificates were issued, hence the nicknames “hatches, matches, and dispatches.” It also houses the zero point from which all distances in Kenya are measured.
It is open daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm.Â
Contact: 020 3742 131
9. Karen Village
One of Nairobi’s top art museums, Karen Village takes pride in being a hub for African artists. The gallery is situated along Ngong Road and is crammed with the best pieces of artwork. Karen Art Village boasts of being a haven of creativity, music, heritage, and peace. It hosts painters, glass artists, artisans, framers, sculptors, art galleries, and event agencies. While at the gallery, you can also visit their restaurant, bar, and grill, or get accommodation services.
Contact: 0708 652 624
10. Art Space Kenya
Opened in 2015, The Art Space has evolved from a commercial art gallery based in Kenya, into an online space (https://theartspace.co.ke/) with regular pop-ups in popular and sometimes unusual spaces around Nairobi. Here, you will get numerous contemporary arts from Africa. The online centre also links artists with the contemporary art market, locally and internationally. They also offer art advisory services for new collectors and assist current collectors in curating and cataloging their existing collections.
Contact: 0790 498 848
11. Nairobi Railways Museum Art Gallery and Centre
Educultural Artists Kenya (ECAK) established the Nairobi Railways Museum Art Gallery and Center to display and promote artists’ works as well as to mentor up-and-coming artists. The centre also offers studio space to regional artists at discounted rates. One of the few places in Nairobi where you can enjoy street art is the art gallery.
In addition, a mural painted by one of Nairobi’s top artists adorns each train carriage. Kenya Railways runs the Nairobi Railways Museum Art Gallery and Center, which chronicles the development of rail travel in Kenya.
Contact: +254714 140 028
12. The Collective Restaurant and Art Gallery
Nairobi’s ultimate hidden gem. It’s barely visible from the outside – a nondescript door in a nondescript corner of Nairobi CBD. But once inside, you’ll find yourself in one of Nairobi’s best fine-dining restaurants and fine art galleries. Take a seat and admire the beautiful artwork on the walls around you, or spend some time exploring the restaurant’s two levels to soak in the art and atmosphere. Then prepare yourself for some delectable food and expertly prepared drinks.
Mondays 12:00 Noon – 11:30 pm
Tuesday – Saturday 7:00 am – 11:30 pm
Sundays 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Contact: +254 20 514 760 00
13. Kuona Artists Collective
Kuona Artists’ Collective is located on Likoni Close off Denis Pritt Road. The artists’ collective is still located where the former Kuona Trust used to be. However, the name, style of organization, and artists’ vision for its future are very different. Kuona Trust was launched back in 1995 and it has been a space where countless Kenyan artists have worked together and developed their creative skills. Several artists in residence work in a variety of disciplines at Kuona Artists Collective. Although there is no formal art gallery on the premises, you can walk around and meet the artists in their workshops. Kuona Artists Collective hosts its famous ‘Satos’ once a month, bringing together artists, performers, and independent designers for a day of events, music, and food.
Kuona Artists Collective is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm.Â
Contact: 0733 742752
14. Zanji Art
Zanji Art store is located in Muthaiga Mini Market. Zanji Art is a small workshop run by the delightful art dealer and jewelry maker Njee Muturi. Njee specializes in antiques and traditional African artwork, displaying beautiful works of art that you can buy and take home. The art store has stocked a collection of masks, statues, headrests, trinkets, and oddities.
Contact: 0721 454820
15. The Golden Eagle Art Gallery
Golden Eagle Art Gallery was pioneered by Mr. Sebastian M. Mutinda and is located along Lang’ata South Road in Nairobi. The art gallery has played a major role in growing the Nairobi artistic space. Its main art pieces include sculpture, African attire, jewelry, antiquities, paintings, and other works. The works, created by both local and international artists, Nature, culture, creativity, innovation, and imagination inspire the creation of reality.
Contact: 0758 958 548
16. Photizo Art Gallery
Photizo was founded in 2013 by its Director and Curator, Lydia. Photizo is located at the Valley Arcade Shopping Center in Lavington, Nairobi. It features artwork from established and emerging local and international artists. Although the artists are mostly from Eastern and Central Africa, their works can be shipped anywhere in the world.
Photizo Art Gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm every Monday to Saturday.
Contact: 0721 323 406
17. Shifteye Art Gallery
Shifteye began as a modern art gallery and quickly grew into a popular creative space. While their focus has shifted to photography services, Shifteye continues to support Nairobi’s creative community through regular art exhibitions, cultural events, and other activities. It is found in Hurlingham’s Priory Place.
It is open on weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm.
Contact: 0712 917426
18. Uweza Art Gallery
The Uweza Art Gallery is located in Kibera’s Olympic Estate. It gives young artists space and materials to create and market their original art, which is sold online, at the gallery, and at events and exhibitions.
Contact: 0720 384393
19. Sanaa Art Gallery
Sanaa Art Gallery is located in Two Rivers Mall, one of Nairobi’s most modern shopping destinations. This isn’t just a space where art is displayed; it’s where art lives, surrounded by the everyday hustle of city life.
The gallery was created to bring art closer to the people, making it more accessible, especially for those who may not visit a traditional gallery. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and culture. Whether you’re a casual observer or a seasoned art lover, there’s something for everyone here.
Sanaa is filled with works from established and emerging Kenyan artists, from paintings to sculptures and digital art. You’ll find pieces that speak to Kenya’s vibrant heritage alongside modern interpretations of Nairobi life. This gallery celebrates Kenya’s creative diversity, and its location ensures that anyone can stumble upon the beauty of art whether they are looking for it or not.
Other Art Galleries in Nairobi include,
- Kinuthia galleries
- Brush Tu Art
- ArtExpress
- Bobea Art Centre Kenya
- Kaloki Nyamai Studio
- Yegonizer
- Adoko Art Gallery
- Noir Gallery
- Gallery Watatu
- Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI)
- Kuona Artists Collective, Centre for the Visual Arts
- Graffiti Wall
- Bonzo Art Gallery
- Roweinay Works of Art
- Tribal Gallery
- U.M Gallery
- Datom Tribal Art Gallery
