Are you looking for the best art galleries to visit in the Kenyan coastal region? Try Some of these art galleries found in Malindi Kenya.
Malindi is located in Kilifi County found in the coastal region of Kenya. It is well known for being one of Kenya’s most prolific tourist attraction areas especially due to its close proximity to the Indian Ocean. It is home to extravagant hotels and restaurants and as well hosts some of the best art galleries found in Kenya which have been discussed below.
1. Ndoro Sculpture Garden
Ndoro Sculpture Garden is owned by Carola Rasmussen, a journalist, and gallerist. It is the one art gallery that makes Malindi thump its chest as a town rich in artistic creativity having over 300 artifacts available in it.
The Ndoro Sculptures are mainly made of serpentine stone with some meant to convey spiritual messages while others are just used as decoratives. They focus on the upper parts of the human body and or different animals sculpted in different styles.
Ndoro Sculptures are mostly works of Zimbabwean artists dating back to the 1960s. Carola spent years collecting these artifacts and putting them together and once she was done, she chose Malindi as her place of settlement. She is well acquainted with the information concerning the works and once you take a visit to the gallery, she would take you through the journey and give you a proper explanation of how the artifacts came to be.
A Film that took Carola 10 years to create is also available to complement her explanations.
The art gallery is found on the outskirts of Malindi. For one to pay a visit to Ndoro Sculptures Gallery, you have to book an appointment by phone in advance and you will be given directives on when to visit. They do not charge an entrance fee. The works are also available for sale.
2. Osteria Town Art Gallery
Osteria is a fancy restaurant in Malindi that is well known for its gourmet food. Any art lover who visits the place will however not only enjoy the meals served there but also the artworks that have been placed strategically to woo guests.
Osteria has a collection of about sixty works from both Kenyan and international artists. Works from renowned artists like Adrian Nduma are available on the displays. The works are also put up for sale, for anyone who would fancy having them in their houses as decoration. It is located along Casuarina Road just before White Elephant.
3. Shala Heart Art and Wellness Center
Shala, which means “Space”, was founded by Luisella Luce Torreforte in 2019. She came to Kenya and visited the coastal town of Malindi and fell in love with the place and the “feeling of being wrapped, protected and the grandiose nature that surrounded her, determined her choice to establish a place for Retreats and Special Events.”
Just like most art galleries found in Malindi, Shala Heart is a space that provides visitors with a variety of entertainment services.” The serenity, the ambiance, the liveliness, the space, the fresh air” are some of the compliments visitors would shower the art gallery with.
Shala’s heart however has its uniqueness. The way it is built with Swahili (Lamu) style shouts “welcome” to anyone who passes nearby. It is dedicated to art, creativity, and well-being. Get to experience fine art in terms of paintings and sculptures, music, moving speeches, theater, and meditation activities whenever you visit Shala Heart. It is located along Casuarina Road in Malindi.
4. White Elephant Art and Sea Lodge
White Elephant Art and Lodge is among the most scenic places you’ll visit in Malindi. It gives you a clear picture of how art is just but a reflection of nature.
Armando Tanzini, the founder of this exquisite place had his eyes set on blending nature with art in a very special way.
The White Elephant is mainly a lodge but if the daily activities have started to become monotonous, Tanzini’s art will cheer you up. Huge carvings of humans and animals are found around the compound and inside the buildings. Pictures with nice paintings have also been mounted on the walls. It is located in National Marine Park, Malindi.
5. Flamingo Art & Signs
Found in the Kanu Office along Malindi Highway Street is Flamingo Art and Signs. Opens on Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm.
6. Fashion Style Home
The art gallery is located at Sabaki Center Next To Bar Bar Restaurant, Malindi.
Art Galleries Found in Malindi’s Tourist Market
7. Africana Gift Curio Shop
This art gallery sounds low-key but once you step foot inside, you would not want to leave as you will be enthralled by the kind of artifacts that will meet your eyes. It is located in Malindi town’s tourist market. It deals with a wide array of artifacts that include animal portraits, African art, antiquities, Maasai portraits, and African bowls and spoons.
8. Zam Zam Store: is located in Bomani, Off Silver Road, Malindi.
9. Bondeni Shop: is located in shop number-53 and is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am and closes at 6 pm.
10. Rebecca Curious Shop: is located in shop number 34 and opens daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
11. Feruzi Art and Signs: is found in shop number 59 and is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
12. Tinga Tinga: is found in shop number 101 and opens daily from 8 am and closes at 6.30 pm.
13. Picasso Curio Shop: is located in shop number-34, it is open from Monday to Saturday from 7 am and closes at 6 pm.
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