Why Visit? The Nairobi Gallery is both a historical landmark and a vibrant art space. Housed in what was originally the Old Provincial Commissioner’s office (popularly referred to as “Hatches, Matches & Dispatches” in colonial times), this building now offers a window into Kenya’s cultural evolution. Known as the Point Zero location (measuring distances across the country), the gallery exudes charm with its Victorian architecture and rotating art exhibitions.
Marvel at the extensive archive of African art, artifacts, and textiles once owned by Joseph Murumbi, Kenya’s second Vice President, and his wife, Sheila.
The gallery hosts rotating displays by both established and emerging artists, celebrating contemporary creativity.
Explore the old colonial safes left behind, which evoke Nairobi’s administrative past.
Admire the building’s 1913 design, featuring an octagonal dome where distances across Kenya were once measured.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (including weekends & public holidays)
Admission: Tickets can be purchased at the gallery entrance or via eCitizen (no cash payments).
Access & Parking: Limited on-site parking; alternative parking options available nearby. Public transport easily accessible.
Guided Tours: Available upon request, offering insights into the collections and building history.
Weekend/Holiday Children Activities: Engage younger visitors with art workshops and cultural storytelling.
Art Workshops & Talks: Regular sessions with featured artists, scholars, and curators.
Youth Mentorship Programs: Support for emerging Kenyan artists via on-site mentorship and exhibitions.
Gift Shop: Souvenirs, art pieces, and books on Kenyan history and culture.
Relaxation Areas: Small seating zones for enjoying the ambiance and reviewing gallery materials.
The Murumbi Collection provides invaluable insight into Pan-African heritage and the evolution of Kenyan art.
Collaborative research projects with universities and cultural institutions are ongoing, focusing on African art, colonial history, and Kenyan heritage.
Check the calendar for rotating art exhibitions and scheduled events.
Pair with other nearby sites, like Nairobi National Museum, for a full cultural day in the city.
Photography is allowed in certain sections; confirm guidelines at the entrance.
Immerse yourself in Kenya’s artistic heritage and colonial history at the Nairobi Gallery—where past and present intersect in the heart of the city!
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.
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