The National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) , is a state-owned institution situated in central Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia.
Its main focus is to establish a systematic programme that provides the optimal methodology for informing and inspiring the general public about visual and cultural arts in the country. It is therefore the task of the NAGN to involve locals and visitors by giving them full access to our galleries and Permanent Collections, and to stage wide-ranging exhibitions throughout the year.
Before independence in 1990, the coordination of visual art and crafts at a national level was carried out by the Arts Association of Namibia (AAN). From the time of independence in 1990, efforts were underway to create a National Art Gallery, and so the NAGN formally came into being with the promulgation of the National Art Gallery of Namibia Act 14 of 2000.
When the Arts Association was responsible for various cultural disciplines, the building had a combined function. It initially housed facilities for art, music and dance, and it contained also the library and office for the Scientific Society. The building has, over the years, undergone alterations with input from different architects and contractors, resulting in the current eclectic mix of characteristics.
Today the National Art Gallery of Namibia is a national museum, housing the Arts Association Heritage Trust Permanent Collection and the NAGN Permanent Collection. The NAGN also hosts contemporary exhibitions of local, national and international Art, while showcasing the best of Namibian artwork from the permanent collection as well as hosting a constantly changing series of temporary exhibitions by Namibian and international artists.
With a commitment to free admission, a central and accessible site the NAGN wants to ensure that its collections can be enjoyed by the widest public possible.
The Gallery is currently working on establishing a dynamic education programme for students and the general public that will include free public lectures, tours and seminars.
