Tunisia Art Galleries

(Tunisia, TN, North Africa)

Both Tunis and Sousse tend to be where the largest and most notable galleries are situated, offering a taster of Tunisian and North African art.

In Sousse, the Dar Am Taieb Museum of Contemporary Art stands out, while in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, much-visited galleries include both the B'Chira Art Centre and the National Centre of Living Art at Belvedere Park. Also found in Tunis is the Ceramics Museum, which is home to the National Centre for Ceramic Arts. This particular attraction resides on a hill, meaning that visitors can enjoy good panoramic views over the city of Tunis itself.

Head to La Marsa, in north-eastern Tunisia, and the Galerie El Marsa may well be of interest, with its contemporary offerings.

Dar Am Taieb Museum of Contemporary Art

Address: Sousse, Tunisia, Africa
Founded by the artist Dar Am Taieb, this art gallery is particularly memorable because of the style of exhibits on display and the sheer number of them. The eight exhibition spaces display a vast collection of paintings, metalwork and sculptures, including giant insects. There is also a colourful garden or two.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

B'Chira Art Centre

Address: Sabelet Ben Ammar, Tunis, Tunisia, Africa
Tel: +216 70 527 767
Located within the popular resort of Sidi Thabet, in the suburbs of Tunis, this notable art gallery is dedicated to Tunisian modern art. Local artists are given the opportunity to showcase their contemporary creations here, for members of the public to enjoy and appreciate, and possibly even purchase. Attractions at the B'Chira Art Centre include a pleasant garden with sculptures, various lectures and workshops, a cafe, and periodic screenings of themed films / documentaries. The building itself is instantly recognisable, with its pristine black exterior, contrasting round and rectangular windows, and modern block architecture. An onsite car park is available for those driving here.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

National Centre of Living Art / Belvedere House for the Arts

Address: 68 Avenue Taieb Mhiri, Place Pasteur, Tunis, Tunisia, Africa
Tel: +216 71 893 720
The National Centre of Living Art (Centre National d'Art Vivant) resides in the Tunis Belvedere Park, where it comprises frequent exhibitions, a vast library, workshops and seminars, and a number of well-supported events. Past exhibitions at this 'cultural centre' have often been European in their nature, featuring everything from French prints to Italian paintings.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: free

Ceramics Museum / National Centre for Ceramic Arts

Address: Boulevard du 9 Avril, Tunis, Tunisia, Africa
Tunisia's Ceramics Museum may be relatively small in size, but nevertheless, it offers up a fine display of 'jeliza' ceramics, specialising in artefacts from the Hafsid period of the country's history. It also includes a collection of funerary steles and houses the National Centre for Ceramic Arts. The museum is located within the 15th-century Mausoleum of Sidi Kassem el Zilliji. The mausoleum itself was built for an Andalusian who settled in Tunis and went on to popularise the manufacturing of ceramic tiles.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Ali Khouja Gallery

Address: Mohamed Turki Street, Mahdia, Tunisia, Africa
Tel: +216 24 769 756
The Ali Khouja Gallery is to be found at the coastal city of Mahdia, where it comes with a diverse array of exhibits. As well as both paintings and sculptures, visitors will also be able to appreciate ceramics and framed photographs, along with workshops where you can learn how to paint and create your very own masterpieces.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

El Marsa Gallery

Address: 2 Place du Saf Saf, La Marsa, Tunisia, Africa
Tel: +216 71 740 572
Established in the middle of the 1990s within the coastal town of La Marsa, this appealing Tunisia gallery attempts to promote the art work of the Arab people. Amongst the creations on display are various contemporary canvasses, giant photographs, stylish modern sculptures and changing exhibitions, with past artist names including the likes of both Abdallah Benanteur and Hatim El Mekki.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free