Best Museums & Art Galleries in Kampala, Uganda

Kampala, Uganda, Kampala, Culture & Entertainment, Best Museums & Art Galleries

Best Museums & Art Galleries in Kampala, Uganda

1. Uganda National Museum

Explore Ugandan history, culture, and natural history with over 10,000 artifacts.
  • Rich History: Features an extensive collection of pre-colonial, colonial, and contemporary artifacts.
  • Educational Experience: Offers guided tours and interactive exhibits for visitors.
  • Community Engagement: Hosts workshops, seminars, and cultural events throughout the year.

2. AfriArt Gallery

Discover contemporary African art by established and emerging artists.
  • Rotating Exhibitions: Features new exhibitions every two months showcasing various artistic styles.
  • Artist Collaborations: Collaborates with artists to create exclusive, limited-edition pieces.
  • Art Workshops: Hosts workshops for visitors interested in creating their own artwork.

3. The Kampala Art Bazaar

Shop for unique, handmade art and crafts from local artists.
  • Supporting Local Artisans: Provides a platform for over 50 Ugandan artists to sell their work.
  • Wide Variety: Offers paintings, sculptures, jewelry, textiles, and more.
  • Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange by showcasing traditional and contemporary art forms.

4. The National Theatre Uganda

Experience live performances of dance, music, and theater in a stunning venue.
  • Stunning Architecture: Features modern architecture with traditional Ugandan influences.
  • Diverse Performances: Hosts a variety of performances, including traditional Ugandan dances, contemporary theater, and live music.
  • Art Exhibitions: Features rotating art exhibitions showcasing local artists' work.

5. The Photiuma Museum of Modern Art

Explore contemporary African art through the lens of photography.
  • Photography Focus: Dedicated to showcasing contemporary African photography.
  • Rotating Exhibitions: Offers new exhibitions every two months, featuring work from both established and emerging photographers.
  • Workshops and Talks: Hosts workshops and talks on photography techniques and the art industry.

6. The Kampala Gallery

Discover emerging Ugandan artists at this contemporary art space.
  • Emerging Artists: Focuses on showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists.
  • Rotating Exhibitions: Offers new exhibitions every two months, featuring a variety of artistic styles and mediums.
  • Community Engagement: Hosts workshops and events to engage the local community with art.

7. The Baganda Cultural Museum

Learn about the Baganda Kingdom's history, culture, and traditions.
  • Baganda Heritage: Dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Baganda people.
  • Traditional Artifacts: Features a collection of traditional artifacts, including royal regalia and crafts.
  • Cultural Performances: Offers cultural performances, such as traditional music and dance demonstrations.

8. The National Music Institute

Explore Ugandan music history, learn traditional instruments, and watch live performances.
  • Music Education: Offers workshops on traditional Ugandan musical instruments.
  • Live Performances: Features live performances by local musicians and cultural groups.
  • Music Archive: Houses a collection of Ugandan music recordings, sheet music, and instruments.

9. The National Library of Uganda

Discover the history and culture of Uganda through books, manuscripts, and archives.
  • Extensive Collection: Houses over half a million books, manuscripts, maps, and archives.
  • Research Facility: Provides resources for academic research on Uganda's history and culture.
  • Community Engagement: Offers workshops, seminars, and cultural events throughout the year.

10. The Lubiri Palace Museum

Explore the history of the Buganda Kingdom at this former royal palace.
  • Royal History: Features exhibits on the history and culture of the Buganda Kingdom.
  • Palace Architecture: Showcases traditional Ugandan architecture, including wooden carvings and thatched roofs.
  • Cultural Performances: Offers cultural performances, such as traditional music and dance demonstrations.

11. The Kasubi Tombs

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a sacred burial ground of the Buganda Kings.
  • Historical Significance: Is the final resting place of four Buganda Kings and several queens.
  • Traditional Architecture: Features a unique mixture of traditional Baganda and European architectural styles.
  • Cultural Significance: Is considered a symbol of the Buganda Kingdom's power and status.

12. The Ugandan Craft Support Trust (UCST)

Shop for unique, handmade crafts while supporting local artisans.
  • Supporting Local Artisans: Provides a platform for over 100 Ugandan artisans to sell their work.
  • Wide Variety: Offers handmade jewelry, textiles, basketry, and more.
  • Community Engagement: Promotes cultural exchange by showcasing traditional Ugandan crafts.

13. The Kampala Craft Centre

Shop for unique, handmade crafts from local artisans in a bustling market setting.
  • Supporting Local Artisans: Provides a platform for over 200 Ugandan artisans to sell their work.
  • Wide Variety: Offers handmade jewelry, textiles, basketry, and more.
  • Community Engagement: Promotes cultural exchange by showcasing traditional Ugandan crafts.

14. The Art In Tanzania Gallery

Discover contemporary East African art, including pieces from Uganda.
  • East African Art: Focuses on showcasing contemporary art from East Africa.
  • Rotating Exhibitions: Offers new exhibitions every two months, featuring work from both established and emerging artists.
  • Art Workshops: Hosts workshops on various artistic techniques and styles.

15. The Uganda Museum of Natural History

Explore the natural history of Uganda, from prehistoric fossils to modern-day wildlife.
  • Natural History Focus: Dedicated to showcasing Uganda's rich biodiversity and geological history.
  • Prehistoric Fossils: Features exhibits on prehistoric fossils found in Uganda, including early hominids.
  • Modern-Day Wildlife: Offers exhibits on Ugandan wildlife, such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants.