Attraction
Independence Memorial Museum
Free museum in a five-storey glass building on Robert Mugabe Avenue that tells the story of colonial rule, resistance and Namibia's road to independence.
National Art Gallery of Namibia
Namibia's state art gallery, showing Namibian, African and European art from its permanent collections alongside changing contemporary exhibitions in central Windhoek.
At a glance
- Type
- Art gallery
- Area
- City Centre, Windhoek, Namibia
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Sunday)
- Official site
- nagn.org.na
Good to know
- Permanent collection
- Temporary exhibitions
- Framing workshop
Why we recommend it
The National Art Gallery of Namibia is the country's state-owned art gallery and the best single place in Windhoek to see Namibian visual art. It sits on the corner of Robert Mugabe Avenue and John Meinert Street, a short walk from the Christuskirche, and was formally established under the National Art Gallery of Namibia Act of 2000. Its job is to collect, preserve and promote the visual arts and crafts, and to support local artists through exhibitions, workshops and public programmes.
The gallery holds two permanent collections: its own national collection and that of the Arts Association Heritage Trust, which has long roots in Windhoek's art world. A permanent display covers Namibian, African and European art, and there is a steady programme of temporary exhibitions of contemporary work from Namibia, the region and further afield. What is on show changes regularly, so it is worth checking the gallery's website or social media before you go to see the current exhibitions.
Visitors with an interest in Namibian art will find it a good introduction to names that rarely travel abroad, and it is a calm, air-conditioned break from the heat of the city centre. It suits solo travellers and couples best; children tend to enjoy it more when there is a lively contemporary show on. The gallery also runs a framing workshop at 128 Robert Mugabe Avenue, which is handy if you buy a print or canvas on your trip.
Opening hours, according to the gallery, are 14:00 to 17:00 on Mondays, 08:00 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Friday and 09:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays, with the gallery closed on Sundays. Note the short Monday afternoon opening, which catches out people planning a morning visit at the start of the week. The City of Windhoek's tourism portal lists entry as free. For general questions, the gallery publishes the email address [email protected].
Allow 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the exhibitions. The gallery fits naturally into a walk that includes the Independence Memorial Museum, the Christuskirche and the Tintenpalast, all within a few hundred metres. Independence Avenue, with its shops and cafés, is a few blocks downhill.
National Art Gallery of Namibia FAQs
What are the opening hours?
Monday 14:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Friday 08:00 to 17:00, Saturday 09:00 to 14:00, closed on Sunday.
Is entry free?
The City of Windhoek's tourism portal lists the gallery as free to enter.
What is in the collection?
The gallery's own permanent collection and the Arts Association Heritage Trust collection, covering Namibian, African and European art.
Are there temporary exhibitions?
Yes. The gallery runs changing exhibitions of contemporary regional, national and international art.
Where exactly is it?
On the corner of Robert Mugabe Avenue and John Meinert Street in central Windhoek.
How long should I allow?
Around 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on what is on show.
Can I get artwork framed there?
Yes. The gallery runs a framing workshop at 128 Robert Mugabe Avenue.
What is nearby?
The Christuskirche, the Tintenpalast and the Independence Memorial Museum are all within a short walk.