Introduce yourself to the colourful visual culture of the Bahamas at one of the largest collections of Bahamian art in the world. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is housed in a refurbished 1860s villa. The two-story gallery showcases significant works from local painters, photographers and sculptors. Regular temporary exhibits bring work from around the Caribbean to Nassau and the on-site library is a great place to discover rare books on local history. Widely considered the most important gallery in the Bahamas, the National Art Gallery is a must-see spot for anyone with an interest in art or local culture.
Approaching the gallery, you will notice its stunning exterior. The building was once the villa of the local chief of justice and features a grand ballroom and a wide balcony with ocean views. Climb the steps to the entrance to see its stately interior, considered one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Nassau’s Old Town.
Discover the National Collection of Bahamian Art that occupies the gallery’s ground floor. The impressive collection features work by some of the best-known artists in the country, including Max Taylor, Amos Fergusson and Brent Malone. See delicate ceramics, haunting photographs and fascinating historical paintings as you make your way through the permanent collection.
Upstairs, find a collection of international art and spaces dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Stunning landscapes by Winslow Homer are among the highlights. The American artist spent time in the Bahamas in the 1880s and painted a series of watercolors depicting the local environment.
The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is located in Nassau’s Old Town and can be reached on foot from many downtown locations. Free parking is available in the streets nearby and a bus serves the area. The gallery is closed Mondays and public holidays. An admission fee applies.
