Nairobi Art Galleries: The 12 Best Places to See Art in Kenya

Visit one, and you’ll get to enjoy a fascinating mix of old and new, with collections spanning decades – and even centuries. Temporary exhibitions will introduce you to the most exciting artists in Africa and give you a chance to mingle with the city’s diverse creative community. 

Don’t miss an opportunity to explore Nairobi’s best art galleries. Use this list as a guide, and keep an eye out for events and upcoming exhibitions.

The CBD

The Collective Restaurant and Art Gallery

Location: Utalii St. 

The Collective is the ultimate Nairobi hidden gem. 

From the outside, it’s barely visible – a non-descript door in a nondescript corner of Nairobi CBD. But once you step inside, you’ll be in one of Nairobi’s best fining dining restaurants and fine art galleries. 

Take a seat and enjoy the beautiful artwork that adorns the wall around you – or spend a few minutes exploring the restaurant’s two levels to soak up the art and atmosphere. 

Then get ready for some delicious food and expertly prepared drinks.

Opening hours: 

Nairobi Gallery

Location: Kenyatta Ave. 

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times – Nairobi Gallery is the most criminally underrated museum in Nairobi. 

I love this place and can happily spend a couple of hours wandering through its exhibitions of African art, jewelry, tapestries, and trinkets. Which is saying a lot, because Nairobi Gallery is tiny – and the exhibition never changes. 

But every time I visit, I find some new piece to fall in love with. 

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Kenyatta Avenue, it’s no wonder most people overlook Nairobi Gallery – but that doesn’t make it okay! 

Add a visit to your itinerary next time you’re visiting the CBD. 

Opening hours: 

Alliance Francaise

Location: Loita St. 

Alliance Francaise is a cultural centre, events space, exhibition hall, cinema, and art gallery all rolled into one. 

As well as a permanent exhibition of modern Kenyan art, it also hosts regular temporary exhibitions celebrating and showcasing some of the best art in Kenya. 

There’s also a small cafe serving lunch and dinner. 

Opening hours: 

Street Art @ Kenya Railway Museum

Location: Station Rd

Kenya Railway Museum isn’t just a fascinating place to learn about Kenyan history – there’s also an informal street art gallery in its train yard. 

The art gallery is one of the few places you can enjoy street art in Kenya without worrying about it being painted over. Every train carriage is adorned with a mural by one of Nairobi’s best street artists, bringing another drab setting to life with a rich array of colours and styles.

Opening hours: 

Kilimani

Kuona Artists Collective

Location: Likoni Close

Kuona is home to several artists in residence working in numerous disciplines. There’s no formal art gallery on the premises, but you can walk around and meet the artists in their workshops. 

Once a month, Kuona Artists Collective hosts its famous ‘Satos’ – a gathering of artists, performers, and independent designers for a day of events, music, and food. 

Follow Kuona Artists Collective on Facebook to get notified of the next event. 

Opening hours: 

Shifteye Studios

Location: Argwings Kodhek Rd

Shifteye started as a modern art gallery and has quickly evolved into a hugely popular creative space. 

While their focus has ‘shifted’ (sorry) to photography services, Shifteye continues to support the creative community in Nairobi by hosting regular art exhibitions, cultural events, and much more. 

Visit during the week to see what’s happening or follow them on social media to find out about the next event. 

Opening hours: 

*CLOSED*Upepo Photography Gallery

When I tried to visit this gallery in 2021, I was told it had been closed nearly three years ago. It’s still labeled as open on Google Maps and recommended on many (out of date) blogs but don’t expect much if you come looking for it. 

Lavington & Kilileshwa

Kioko Mwtiki Art Gallery

Location: James Gichuru Rd. 

Kioko Mwtiki has been an institution in the Nairobi art scene for over 25 years now. 

As one of the oldest art galleries in Nairobi, it’s a popular space for young and established artists to display their latest works. Even after more than two decades, Kioko Mwtiki is still at the cutting-edge of contemporary art in Kenya and East Africa. 

The friendly staff will happily show you around and explain the pieces to you if you want to understand them better. You can also pick up some art supplies in the gift shop if you’re inspired to create something of your own.

Opening hours: TBC

Circle Art Gallery

Location: James Gichuru Rd.

Circle Art Gallery hosts solo exhibitions and group shows by contemporary artists from across East Africa. 

They focus on promoting and supporting the most innovative and thought-provoking art in the region, celebrating young contemporary artists, and introducing their work to global curators and collectors. 

Opening hours: 

Zanji Art

Location: James Gichuru Rd.

Zanji Art is a small workshop run by the delightful art dealer and jewelry maker Njee Muturi. 

Njee specialises in antiques and traditional artwork from across Africa, showcasing beautiful works of art which you can purchase and take home. I’m a regular customer and constantly fall in love with his collection of masks, statues, headrests, trinkets, and various curios. 

Spend some time chatting with Njee and looking around, and he’ll eventually find the perfect piece just for you. 

Opening hours: TBC

(Njee’s workshop is part of Pallet Cafe, one of the best restaurants in Nairobi. Aside from serving delicious, healthy food in a stunning garden, Pallet Cafe hires and trains members of Nairobi’s deaf community as wait staff – creating much-needed employment amongst a very disadvantaged group.) 

Karen & Langata

Matbronze Art Gallery & Foundry

Location: Kifaru Lane, Langata

As the name suggests, Matbronze specialises in creating exquisite bronze sculptures, installations, and jewelry celebrating the beauty of Kenya. 

You can visit the family-run workshop, see how they’re, check out the gallery, and stop for a coffee or lunch in their garden restaurant.

Opening hours: 

Polka Dot Art Gallery

Location: The Souk, Dagoretti Rd, Karen

One of the younger art galleries in Nairobi, Polka Dot, was opened in 2016 to promote local and international artists and support education and dialogue about modern art. 

Besides regular exhibitions, Polka Dot also accepts applications from local artists who would like to have their photography, paintings, sculpture, or installations displayed. 

Opening hours: 

Kitisuru

One Off Contemporary Art Gallery

Location: Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate, off Limuru Road

A 30-minute drive from the city centre, One Off Gallery isn’t just one of the most unique looking buildings in Nairobi.

It’s also one of the premier fine art galleries and dealers in East Africa. One Off works with artists from across East Africa – and exclusively represents many of them. So, if you’re a serious art collector, you need to visit One Off. 

Aside from the main exhibition spaces, they also have an incredible sculpture garden full of wildlife and artwork. 

Opening hours: 

What’s Your Favourite Art Gallery in Nairobi?

Is there somewhere we missed that is an absolute must-visit?

Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add it to the list!