
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.