Art galleries in Dakar: where to see art in the city

To see art in Dakar, you usually combine three kinds of places: major public institutions such as the Museum of Black Civilisations and the IFAN museum, creative hubs such as the Village des Arts, and private galleries and spaces where you can also buy. ge'eza, in Point E, belongs to the last family, with a villa that is at once a restaurant, a gallery and an events venue.

An old and lively scene

Dakar has a strong artistic history. Senegal hosted the World Festival of Black Arts in 1966, and every two years the city welcomes the Biennale of contemporary African art, known as Dak'Art. That continuity explains the density of art venues and the place of artists in the city. Read our articles on the 1966 Festival and on the Biennale.

The institutions

• The Museum of Black Civilisations: a national museum opened in Dakar, devoted to African and diaspora civilisations. A good starting point to place art within a long history.
• The IFAN museum: attached to the Fundamental Institute of Black Africa, it holds collections of West African objects. It is a reference site for traditional arts.
• The African Renaissance Monument: more than a museum, a landmark of the city, visible from many neighbourhoods.

Opening hours and admission prices change: check before you go.

Creative hubs

• The Village des Arts: a group of artist studios where you can meet creators and see their work. Visits are best prepared, for example by letting them know in advance.
• Artist studios in various neighbourhoods: the simplest way is to ask a gallery to put you in touch.

Galleries and private spaces

Dakar has many private galleries. We do not list them all, because addresses, hours and programmes change. The best advice is to follow the current exhibitions: watch for opening announcements, ask friends, and walk around a neighbourhood when you can.

Some venues blend art and daily life: a café that hangs works, a villa that becomes a gallery. In a place like that, you look at art without turning it into a formal visit.

Where ge'eza fits

ge'eza is a villa with a garden and terrace at 656 avenue Birago Diop, in Point E. The living room and other rooms show paintings, sculptures and textiles by artists from East and West Africa, with an opening for each new hang. The works are for sale, with a certificate of authenticity and shipping available. You can look at the works during a meal, a coffee or lunch, without an entry ticket. See the gallery page and the events calendar.

The venue is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm, closed on Mondays. If you want to buy, our guide to buying contemporary art in Dakar explains the steps.

Building an itinerary

A day of art in Dakar might look like this:

• Morning: the Museum of Black Civilisations or the IFAN museum, for historical context.
• Early afternoon: lunch in Point E, where you can see art while you eat.
• Late afternoon: a visit to a studio or gallery.
• Evening: an opening, if your visit falls on the right day.

Allow margin for traffic, and check closing days, often Monday.

How to visit a gallery well

A gallery visit is nothing to be intimidated by. You go in, say hello, and look at your own pace. The staff are usually happy to answer questions about artists, techniques or prices, with no obligation to buy. Take the time to read the labels, do a full circuit, then return to the two or three works that stopped you.

If you travel with children, turn the visit into an observation game. If you are in a group, let everyone go at their own rhythm and meet up over coffee. And if you are thinking of buying, note the artist's name, the title and the price to compare later, without rushing.

Why art in Dakar is a good reason to visit

Seeing art in Dakar means seeing it in context: artists who live and work in the city, venues that host them, an audience that discusses them. For an expat, it is a quick route into local culture. For a visitor passing through, it is a way to keep a richer memory than a beach photograph. The dialogue between East and West Africa, which ge'eza highlights, is a good example. See our article on pan-Africanism and contemporary art.

Practical notes

Opening days and hours differ from one venue to another, and some spaces close on Mondays or between exhibitions. Call or message before making a special trip. Wear comfortable shoes, carry a bottle of water, and keep some cash for small purchases. If you are photographing works, ask first, as rules vary from place to place.