The Best Art Galleries in Nairobi

From Kenya’s finest contemporary painters to traditional African craft, these are the best galleries in Nairobi to experience art in all its forms.

The Nairobi art scene has flourished over the last decade, making the city one of East Africa’s most exciting cultural hubs. With an eclectic mix of contemporary art spaces, traditional craft showcases, and experimental studios, Nairobi offers both established and emerging artists the opportunity to share their work with a growing, appreciative audience.

From intimate exhibitions in leafy suburbs to bustling downtown galleries, Nairobi’s creative energy is palpable. Many galleries double as community spaces — hosting workshops, artist talks, and open studio days — making them not just places to view art, but to experience it. And like the city itself, the art scene is open, warm, and often free to explore.

Nairobi Gallery

Best for: Kenyan heritage in a historic building
Location: Kenyatta Avenue, City Centre
Price: Entry from KSh 150

Nicknamed “Old PC’s” after its days as the Provincial Commissioner’s office, the Nairobi Gallery is a national monument housing an impressive collection of Kenyan art, cultural artefacts, and historical photographs. It also showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary African artists. The building’s early 20th-century architecture adds charm to the experience, making it a must-visit for art lovers and history buffs alike.

Circle Art Gallery

Best for: Contemporary East African art
Location: Viking House, Westlands
Price: Free entry

Founded in 2012, Circle Art Gallery is a pioneer in Nairobi’s modern art scene. Representing both emerging and established artists from across East Africa, it regularly stages exhibitions featuring painters, photographers, and sculptors making waves internationally. The gallery is also known for its annual Art Auction East Africa, which has become a landmark event for collectors.

Banana Hill Art Gallery

Best for: Colourful, expressive African painting
Location: Banana Hill, Kiambu Road
Price: Free entry

Set just outside Nairobi in the lush area of Banana Hill, this gallery was founded in the early 1990s to give local artists a platform. It now represents more than 70 artists from Kenya and beyond, with works ranging from vivid oil paintings to bold abstract pieces. The space is relaxed, welcoming, and a little bohemian — perfect for a weekend art excursion.

One Off Contemporary Art Gallery

Best for: Curated exhibitions in a serene setting
Location: Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate, Limuru Road
Price: Free entry

One Off is one of Nairobi’s most respected galleries, known for its beautiful garden setting and commitment to showcasing the region’s best talent. Founded by Carol Lees in 1994, it features rotating exhibitions from artists like Peterson Kamwathi and Fitsum Berhe Woldelibanos. The adjoining sculpture garden is a hidden gem worth lingering in after your visit.

Polka Dot Art Gallery

Best for: Fresh, bold contemporary work
Location: The Souk, Karen
Price: Free entry

A relative newcomer to the Nairobi art scene, Polka Dot Gallery has quickly made a name for itself with its vibrant, cutting-edge exhibitions. Located in the leafy suburb of Karen, it champions both Kenyan and international artists, with a strong emphasis on modern techniques and storytelling. Its intimate setting makes each exhibition feel personal and immersive.

Red Hill Art Gallery

Best for: International and East African art in a rural escape
Location: Limuru Road, Red Hill
Price: Free entry

Run by a Swiss-Kenyan couple, Red Hill Art Gallery is a stunning space that blends global contemporary works with East African creativity. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip. The gallery’s bright open spaces and sweeping countryside views create a calm, reflective atmosphere for appreciating art.

The GoDown Arts Centre

Best for: Community-driven creativity and performances
Location: Dunga Road, Industrial Area
Price: Varies by event (often free for exhibitions)

Part gallery, part performance venue, and part artist residency, The GoDown is Nairobi’s beating heart of creative collaboration. It’s where painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians, and theatre groups share a common space, resulting in a dynamic cross-pollination of ideas. Its exhibitions are often bold and experimental, reflecting Nairobi’s diverse cultural tapestry.

 

Whether you’re an avid collector, a casual admirer, or simply curious, Nairobi’s art galleries offer a window into the soul of the city — and many are just a short drive from Karen Plains Hotel.