Take An Art Safari At The Nairobi Gallery In Nairobi City

Writer: martinemily033@gmail.com

Hello art enthusiast! Have you seen it all in art and design and you feel like you need something different? Maybe you have enjoyed safaris in the wild and now you want something quiet and thoughtful in a beautiful place. The Nairobi Gallery is the best breather from the city’s excitement.

The Nairobi Gallery is located conveniently in the Nairobi Central Business District, on Kenyatta Avenue and Uhuru Highway Roundabout next to Nyayo House.

The Nairobi Gallery is an intriguing place because it is significant in Kenyan History and has been in existence since the Colonial times.

A trip in the past of Nairobi Gallery: It was built in 1913 as a Native Ministry. Settlers used to call it the “The Hatches, Matches and Dispatches” as a result of the many births and deaths that were recorded in this building. Later, it served as the courtroom for Natives who came to Nairobi without a pass.

So, how did a courthouse change to an art Gallery?

This happened when The Vice President of Kenya of 1966 – Joseph Murumbi and his Wife, bought the building. They were art enthusiasts who wanted to preserve, protect and promote African Art and Culture in all its forms.

The first exhibition name Dreaming Pictures was conducted by Jakkatari Kawe. This was right after independence and the artists at this time, mostly the pioneer ones like Magdalene Odondo, ExpenditoMwembe Kibala and Geraldine Roberts were displayed here.

The Nairobi Gallery was handed over to the Kenya Museums because of its richness and value in African Art and History. Here is why this Gallery is the best place for Art Enthusiasts in Nairobi:

1. It is located at Kenya’s Point Zero – there is a black spot in the building which is the starting point of all distances measured from Nairobi to the rest of the Country and Africa. At Point, it is believed to be the centre of Kenya.
2. The architectural Design of the Nairobi Gallery is epic – let us talk about columns of natural stone, niches, friezes, and pediments. The doors are made of teak. The Gallery is an original Victorian design that is rare. In there, there are colonial safes that have never been opened since independence. One can’t help but wonder what is in there!
3. The Murumbi African Heritage Collection – this should be the number one attraction point. The collection here ranges from original African Art to textiles from across Africa, stone tablets and books, jewellery and artefacts are here. Check out what is in various rooms further below.
4. The Murumbis Pan African Stamp Collection – it is said that is second only to the collection by the Late Queen of England.
5. There is a gift shop – You get to buy a souvenir to take back home.

Take a peek at what is in various rooms as you plan your visit to the Nairobi Gallery:

1. Room 1 – you get to see the sample stamps collected by His and Her Excellency the Late Joseph and Sheila Murumbi. Have you seen Queen Elizabeth’s collection already? It is time to see Murumbi’s collection.
2. Room 2 – this is full of textile displays from all over Africa. We are talking about Kanga, Kikoi, Kente, Ankara and Okene. Designers interested in African Textiles will have a blast in this room.

There are various clothes worn by African Kings and Queens from various kingdoms with elaborate stories around every attire. Come Travel Kenya Limited will organize a trip of Culture here and at the Bomas of Kenya as well if this is your niche.

3. Room 3 – This is a display of the Vice president’s Living Room in his Muthaiga Home. There is also a collection of various African furniture from the past. A lot of African Art has been displayed on the walls and along the corridors, you will be absorbed in the profound art.
4. Room 4 – This is a room full of African Weaponry, Artefacts, and utensils. Did you know Africans made dolls and figurines before colonialism?

The Nairobi Gallery is usually open to the public from 8.30 am and closes at 5.30 pm. The rates for locals, residents and non-residents are affordable and you have the freedom to take as much time as possible in the gallery, taking in every single story.

The Nairobi Gallery is a perfect place to bring children for lessons in history and art as well. It is safe and there are professionals to take you around the rooms, giving you the special stories on every piece of art, artefact, textile and stamp that you will be interested in.

You may need hours in the gallery to exhaustively take in the immense stories inspired by every piece.

Check out the coolest, serene places in Nairobi City where you can have fun for less than $5 in the next article.