Mozambique Art Galleries

(Mozambique, MZ, South-East Africa)



Maputo is where you will find a number of the foremost galleries in Mozambique, such as both the National Museum of Art (Museu Nacional de Arte) and the Chissano Gallery (Galeria Chissano).

Malangatana Ngwenya was one of Mozambique's most renowned artists. His studio and house, located a short drive from the centre of Maputo, offer a fascinating insight into his life and work. Visitors to this particular museum will need to make an advance reservation.


Chissano Gallery (Galeria Chissano)

Address: Rua Torre de Vale, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
The Chissano Gallery celebrates the life and works of famed local sculptor and general artist Alberto Chissano (1934 to 1994). With little education as a child, Chiassno only began sculpting in his late twenties after many different careers, with a large precentage of his most notable creations being worked in wood, although he occasionally also used stone. This museum of his life is actually the Chissano family residence and his sculptures are accompanied by pieces from various other artists, both painters and sculptors alike. Taxis regularly transport tourists here and are happy to wait outside for a return fare.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 15:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

National Museum of Art (Museu Nacional de Arte)

Address: 1233 Avenida Ho Chi Minh, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
Tel: +258 21 320264
Located within the capital city of Maputo and alongside the Avenida Karl Marx is the acclaimed National Museum of Art. Mozambique's premier gallery features a large collection of paintings, prints and sculptures by artists from throughout the country, including the likes of Alberto Chissano and Malangatana Ngwenya. Many of the pieces on display over the museum's two floors hark back to a time when the country was engaged in a bloody civil war. The museum, which opened in the late 1980s, also incorporates artists' workshops.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Nucleo de Arte

Address: 194 Rua da Argelia, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
Tel: +258 21 492523
An unusual and yet quite endearing gallery is the Nucleo de Arte, run by a group of Mozambican artists who have transformed weapons into works of art. Since the Peace Agreement of 1992, literally thousands of land mines and weapons have been collected, being exchanged for agricultural equipment. The Nucleo de Arte saw the opportunity to repurpose some of these weapons and created their unique 'Arms into Art' project, welding them together into moving works of art. Also here are displays of ceramics, a garden with working artists and an adjacent eatery, where you can grab a bite to eat if you are feeling peckish.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

House and Studio of Malangatana (Casa e Estudio de Malangatana)

Address: Rua de Camoes, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
Tel: +258 21 465286
Although not open with fixed hours as such, it is possible to gain entry to the House and Studio of Malangatana if you make a prior appointment via the Kulungwana Espaco Artistico at the train station, on the Praca dos Trabalhadores. The venue resides within the Bairro do Aeroporto suburb and was once called home by renowned Mozambican painter Malangatana Ngwenya (1936 to 2011). Boasting a large collection of his original paintings, together with some impressive Chissano sculptures, this gallery is best reached by taxi, since it is situated outside of Maputo city centre.
Open hours: by appointment
Admission: free

Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sagrada)

Address: Ilha de Mozambique, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
Located next to the Palace and Chapel of Sao Paulo, on the Ilha de Mozambique, is the Museum of Sacred Art, which occupies the old hospital of the Holy House of Mercy. Here visitors will discover a variety of historic masterpieces depicting scenes of a religious nature, along with some church-related artefacts and treasures. Whilst this museum may not be worth taking a long trip to reach, if you are passing by, it is certainly worth popping in to see what is on offer.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, admission included with entrance to the Palace and Chapel of Sao Paulo