Culture vultures, Nairobi welcomes you. Whether you prefer concerts, art exhibits, concept shows or something else, there are an infinite number of ways to get “Kenya-fied.” Make a stop at any one of these top locations to get a taste of the arts and local culture in Nairobi, and you’ll be on the fast track to knowing the city a little better than most.
Museum Hill, Nairobi (Meaduva/Flickr)
1. Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is a long-standing fixture on the Kenyan cultural scene. Aside from the cultural exhibits that offer a peek into African art, the Louis Leakey auditorium hosts a number of visual arts and musical shows — plus art workshops that will enthrall and move you.
Kenya National Archives, Nairobi (Stephen Wanjau/Wikimedia Commons)
2. The Murumbi Collection
Comprised of artifacts and texts donated from the personal collection of the late Joseph Murumbi, former Vice President and curator of African heritage, this vast and enlightening collection is split between The Nairobi Gallery and the National Archives, both within the city centre. If you value an intimate look at Kenyan culture and history, both of these should make your top three list.
Creatives Garage, Ngong Road – Nairobi (courtesy of Creatives Garage/Facebook)
3. Creatives Garage
This collective lives up to its name, with a variety of festivals, game nights, movie nights airing locally produced content, creative workshops and other activities meant to nurture the talents of Kenyan writers, visual arts performers, spoken word artists and so on. The best part? Most of the events are absolutely free and open to the public. For a taste of local Nairobi creative flair, this is the place to be.
Performance at Kuona Trust (courtesy of Kuona Trust Blog)
4. Kuona Trust
Offering a space for visual artists to hone their craft, the Kuona (“seeing” in Swahili) Trust also houses a gallery which displays Kenyan works of art. In addition, the Kuona gallery coordinates events featuring international artists renowned for visual arts pieces which are held in separate locations but accessible through the Trust.
Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi (courtesy of Shift Eye Gallery/Facebook)
5. Shift Eye Gallery
While relatively new on the Kenyan art scene, the Shift Eye Gallery is poised to take over as one of the most important cultural pillars in the country. Owned and run by artistically inclined young Kenyans, the gallery not only boasts some of the most sought-after exhibits, but also holds a special attraction for the younger crowd, with seminars, model searches, clothing designer showcases and so on. Definitely a must-see while in Nairobi.
An Alliance Francaise drama performance (courtesy of Alliance Francaise/Facebook)
6. Alliance Francaise
Hailed as the cultural hub for all things French in the city, Alliance Francaise offers much more than French classes. With an auditorium featuring French cinema every Monday at no charge, vast gallery spaces, and live concerts from Kenyan (and pan-African acts) on the grounds, you’ll be spoiled for choice every time you visit.
Little Art Gallery, Gigiri – Nairobi (courtesy of The Little Art Gallery/Facebook)
7. The Little Art Gallery
Diminutive title aside, this gallery hosts the works of immensely talented individuals who may just change your view of African artists. From sculptors to painters and much more, the exhibits open for viewing at this gallery never disappoint.
Maasai Market, High Court Parking Lot (lagos.afrileo)
8. Maasai Market
No list of cultural or artistic spots in Nairobi would be complete without the shining example that is Maasai Market. Every Saturday and Sunday, Maasai artisans proudly display beads, African-printed fabric, sculptures, shoes, bags, jewelry, and other artwork. The best part? It’s all for sale. Get your souvenir shopping done in one trip and leave with a piece of Kenya, and a smile.
GoDown Arts Center, Dunga Road – Nairobi (courtesy of the GoDown Arts Center/Facebook)
9. GoDown Arts Centre
GoDown provides work space for an impressive roster of resident artists. Some will accommodate those wishing to view their work in progress, and will even explain the meaning and purpose of the pieces. This is a unique opportunity to fully grasp the back-story and aesthetic beauty of art work on display, and enjoy concerts on the grounds.
Statue of Freedom Fighter Dedan Kimathi in CBD, Nairobi (Jorge Lascar/Flickr)
10. Nairobi Walking Tours (Heritage Walking Tours)
The National Museums of Kenya, in conjunction with Nairobi County, provide for walking tours of the city, showcasing Nairobi’s rich heritage through her landmark buildings or monuments and the stories they have to tell. These walking tours can be planned from the Nairobi Gallery, organized through resident guide Felix Kipkoech (who can also be reached through safariguideke@ovi.com/gmail.com)
Kenya National Archives ( Wikimedia Commons)
11. Kenya National Archives
Located in downtown Nairobi (Moi Ave), the Kenya National Archives perhaps suggests dull and hidebound papers, but it actually displays traditional culture and antique artifacts as well as important historical information. You’ll also see the former throne of Jomo Kenyatta and an interesting collection of African weapons.
Karen Blixen house, Nairobi. Photo: Shutterstock
12. Karen Blixen Museum
Synonymous with Kenya after she wrote Out of Africa, many parts of Karen Blixen’s life are featured in the Karen Blixen Museum. The house was once the centre of the farm owned by Blixen and her Swedish husband, Baron von Blixen. The museum itself is part of the Kenya National Museum. The house is set within a tranquil garden, and has a view of the Ngong Hills, so beloved by Karen. She honours the hills with the phrase “I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills.”
Kikuyu Woman wearing traditional dress (Wikipedia Commons)
13. Riuki Cultural Center
The Riuki Cultural Center is a great place to learn more about the people of Kenya, especially the largest tribe, the Kikuyu. It offers a demonstration of traditions, customs and a traditional homestead.
Uhuru Monument, Uhuru Gardens (Wikimedia Commons)
14. Uhuru Gardens
These gardens are Kenya’s largest memorial park, and offer a wonderful place for quiet reflection. The grounds are verdant and lush, and provide an excellent place to spend a day relaxing or enjoying a picnic. The grounds also contain two memorials to Kenya’s independence. The Mugumo (fig) tree marks the spot where the British flag was lowered and Kenya’s flag first raised.
Tea Farm In Kenya (Wikimedia Commons)
15. Kiambethu Tea Farm
Kenya is not just famous for its coffee, but also for the tea grown on its fertile mountain slopes. So what better to do than pay a visit to a tea farm? Kiambethu Tea Farm is located just outside of Nairobi, in the town of Limuru. A tour will show you how the tea is grown, harvested and dried, and at the end of the tour there is a delicious meal in the garden.
Related content on AFKTravel:
