Step into the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Harare, a premier institution dedicated to the presentation and conservation of the country's contemporary art and visual heritage. Opening its doors in 1957, the gallery has played a pivotal role in showcasing local talent from the colonial era through to independence, helping elevate Zimbabwean creators on the global stage. It even played an instrumental historical role in bringing Shona Sculpture into the international spotlight under its original director, Frank McEwen.
Inside, you will experience a diverse array of creative mediums brought to life by Zimbabwean artists. Walk through space filled with stone, metal, and wooden sculptures, alongside dynamic paintings, drawings, and installations. The gallery also features an educational library established in the 1950s, which expanded in the 1980s to include rich resources on Zimbabwean modern art, architecture, and culture.
Over the years, the museum has hosted fascinating temporary displays, such as the 2016 Planetary Community Chicken Exhibition—an innovative art-meets-science project featuring active chicken hutches and mushroom cultivation. Whether exploring its artistic heritage or learning through its archives, the gallery offers an enlightening cultural experience in Harare.
What to see at National Gallery of Zimbabwe
- Artworks across mediums including stone, wood, metal sculptures, paintings, and installations
- Rich visual heritage chronicling Zimbabwean art from 1957 through independence
- Historical connection to the worldwide rise of Shona Sculpture
- An onsite library featuring resources on Zimbabwean modern art, culture, and architecture
- Dynamic regional history with connections to branch galleries in Bulawayo and Mutare
Visiting tips
Be sure to explore the onsite library during your visit to dive deeper into books detailing Zimbabwean culture, architecture, and modern art history.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
National Gallery of Zimbabwe is easy to reach on Harare’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Harare travel guide.
See the full Harare travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.