The Project Room: Discover Windhoek Through Art

In a country of breathtaking natural beauty, Windhoek is regarded as a quick stop. But for those willing to look a little closer, the city offers beauty of another kind through its equally compelling artistic pulse. From state institutions to intimate independent galleries, Windhoek’s art scene is rich, diverse and deeply connected to the stories, cultures and identities that shape Namibia. Now, for the first time, visitors can explore this creative world with ease through a dedicated printed art map, launching at the end of January.

Designed to introduce travellers to some of the most inspiring art spaces in the capital, the map brings together museums, galleries, studios, cultural centres and craft hubs into one accessible guide. Whether you have an hour between meetings or a full day to explore, Windhoek’s artistic landscape offers something for every curious visitor. Here is a glimpse of what awaits.

At the heart of Namibia’s visual arts lies the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN), the country’s leading state-owned art institution. Its exhibitions weave together history, identity and contemporary perspectives, while its permanent collection features works of some of Namibia’s most celebrated cultural treasures. A visit to the NAGN offers insight into the country’s art history and cultural topics of the time.

For those drawn to performance and storytelling, the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) adds another layer to the city’s creative identity. With two theatres and a focus on developing local talent, the NTN’s productions span drama, dance, music and multidisciplinary work. It is also a home for innovation, hosting festivals such as the Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) and supporting emerging voices in Namibian performing arts.

Just a short walk away, the Namibian Arts Association (NAA) continues the city’s thread of cultural preservation. As one of Namibia’s oldest art organisations, the NAA showcases local talent and archives the evolving story of Namibian creativity. Its heritage-driven approach, paired with its dynamic exhibition programmes and arts-focused engagements, makes it a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of the country’s visual history.

Windhoek is also home to two internationally affiliated cultural centres, each offering its own distinctive lens. The Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) brings together Namibian and French cultural perspectives through exhibitions, concerts, film screenings and workshops. Its hillside location and architectural charm make it a favourite gathering place for artists and visitors alike. Meanwhile, the Goethe-Institut Namibia serves as a lively hub for intercultural dialogue, contemporary art and critical conversation. Through its exhibitions, film series, educational programmes and language courses, it maintains strong links between Namibian and German cultural communities.

The city’s independent art scene is equally compelling. The Project Room, a platform for Namibian art and artists founded in 2016, is a contemporary gallery committed to creating opportunities for both emerging and established Namibian artists. Known for its curatorial rigour and support of some of Namibia’s most exciting contemporary artists, the exhibitions, events and collaborative projects make this an energising stop that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of Namibia’s creative sector.

A short drive from the city centre, Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie offers a more intimate encounter with Namibian art. Housed in a charming setting in the historic Grüner Kranz complex on Bell Street, the gallery presents works across mediums – sculpture, painting and mixed media – while fostering a warm and inspiring atmosphere. With a mission to champion aesthetic awareness and the therapeutic influence of art, Bellhaus will soothe you with experiences that please both the eye and the heart.

Visitors seeking contemporary work with a research-driven approach will find a perfect match at StArt Art Gallery. With a regular programme of solo and group exhibitions, both online and at physical locations, the gallery curates critical projects that add to the growing archive of information available to researchers, collectors and art enthusiasts. The majority of the gallery’s exhibitions are now hosted at The Sweet Side of Thingz on Independence Avenue, a cosy café whose owners have a passion for the arts. Additionally, StArt Art’s storeroom of artworks in Windhoek can be visited by appointment.

No exploration of Windhoek’s creative ecosystem is complete without a visit to the Namibia Craft Centre, home to more than 40 women-owned and communitybased craft enterprises. Here, handmade works – from jewellery to carvings and textiles – celebrate the country’s rich artistic craft and cultural traditions. Inside the centre, the Omba Gallery continues this dialogue through carefully curated exhibitions featuring leading Namibian artists.

Together, these spaces form a vibrant artistic circuit that reflects both the depth of Namibia’s creative heritage and the energy of its contemporary scene. The new Windhoek Art Map, launching at the end of January, brings all of these destinations into a single, easy-to-navigate guide. Whether you are passing through or spending time in the capital, you are invited to step into Windhoek’s art world and discover the unique aesthetic expression of Namibia.