Right at the intersection of Kenyatta Avenue and Uhuru Highway, next to Nyayo House, stands one of the city’s most historically and artistically significant spaces, the Nairobi Gallery. Managed by the National Museums of Kenya, the gallery is affectionately known as the “Home of Kenyan Art.”
What makes it even more iconic is that it’s located at Kenya’s Point Zero the exact spot from which all distances in Kenya were historically measured. This unique geographic and symbolic significance adds to the gallery’s allure as a space that connects Kenya’s past, present and future.
A Building with Deep Roots
The Nairobi Gallery is housed in a beautifully restored building that dates back to 1913. Originally built as the Native Ministry, it played multiple roles over the years, from registering births, marriages, and deaths (earning the nickname “Hatches, Matches and Dispatches”), to serving as a colonial courthouse for Nairobi’s African population. Post-independence, it housed the Provincial Commissioner’s office and later became the KANU Nairobi branch office. Recognizing its heritage value, the building was officially gazetted as a national monument in 1993 and opened to the public as a gallery in 2005.
Architecture That Speaks
Stepping into the Nairobi Gallery is like walking through a portal of time and culture. The structure itself is a rare example of Victorian architecture in Nairobi with its impressive exterior features stone columns, decorative niches and carved friezes. The main entrance leads visitors into an octagonal dome hall, the symbolic Point Zero. The interior boasts smooth plastered walls, teak wood doors and windows, and ornate ceiling patterns, making the building itself a masterpiece worth exploring. The gallery’s preserved colonial-style design contrasts beautifully with the contemporary art inside.
Explore the Murumbi African Heritage Collection
One of the gallery’s most remarkable highlights is the Murumbi African Heritage Collection, assembled by Kenya’s second Vice President Joseph Murumbi, and his wife Sheila. Known as Africa’s greatest private collectors, the Murumbis curated a breathtaking array of traditional jewelry, pan-African textiles and costumes, indigenous furniture, rare books and manuscripts and antique postage stamps (second only to Queen Elizabeth’s collection).
Each room in the gallery tells a story of Pan-Africanism, preservation and pride, an immersive journey into the heart of Africa’s cultural identity. The Nairobi Gallery’s art space is also dedicated to promoting both pioneer and emerging Kenyan and African artists. Temporary exhibitions are hosted every three months, featuring works by visual legends such as Magdalene Odundo. The rotating exhibitions ensure every visit offers something fresh and relevant to Kenya’s evolving art scene.
True to its public mission, the Nairobi Gallery offers a variety of interactive programs for all ages, including weekend and holiday kids’ activities, youth art mentorship, guided audio tours, and school programs.
Hidden Treasures
Don’t miss the colonial-era safes tucked away within the gallery mysterious relics that have remained locked since colonial times. Before you leave, visit the on-site gift shop for curated publications, handmade crafts and souvenirs that let you take a piece of Kenya’s culture home with you.
Know before you go
The gallery is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. The entry fee is KES 150 for Kenyan citizens, KES 600 for residents, and KES 1,000 for non-residents, with assisted registration on the e-citizen platform available at an additional cost. There is limited secure parking available within the compound, with additional space nearby. The premises are guarded with reliable security, making it safe for solo and group visits.
Why You Should Visit the Nairobi Gallery
Whether you’re into art, history, architecture, or just looking for unique things to do in Nairobi CBD, the Nairobi Gallery checks all the boxes. It’s a peaceful cultural haven in the city center that provides deep insights into Kenya’s identity and creativity.
Pro tip: Don’t forget your camera — the building, artifacts, and exhibitions are all photogenic!
Add the Nairobi Gallery to your Visit Nairobi itinerary and discover the stories that shaped Kenya’s past and continue to inspire its future. For more hidden gems, cultural stops, and insider tips, keep exploring Visit Nairobi — your guide to the best of the city.