National Gallery of Jamaica

National Gallery of Jamaica which includes interior views
National Gallery of Jamaica featuring interior views and a statue or sculpture
National Gallery of Jamaica showing interior views and art
National Gallery of Jamaica which includes signage and interior views
National Gallery of Jamaica showing interior views and art


Discover the most famous Jamaican artists of the last 100 years in the oldest museum in the Anglophone Caribbean. 

Visit the National Gallery of Jamaica and discover how Jamaicans have been creating art since the beginning of the 20th century. Study the bold sculptures of Edna Manely and the abstract pieces of Colin Garlands and see how they contrast with the museum’s collection of colonial-era art. Take a tour and learn the fascinating stories of some of Jamaica’s most famous artists.

The National Gallery of Jamaica was built in 1974 and is home to the most comprehensive and important collection of Jamaican art anywhere in the world. Visit to discover the large permanent collection as well as the temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

There are 10 galleries that trace the history of Jamaican art from A.D. 1000 to the present day. View sculptures by Edna Manley and dark landscape paintings by John Dunkley, showing how early Jamaican artists began to create their own style.

Make your way through the rest of the gallery to see how art continued to evolve in the Caribbean. The theme of these galleries is “Jamaican art for Jamaicans.” Among the highlights are religious works by Carl Abrahams and scenes of village life by David Pottinger.

Find a range of attractive pottery in the Cecil Baugh Gallery of Ceramics and visit the Larry Wirth collection to see a number of African-style sculptures.

Learn more about Jamaican art by taking a tour. There is a small charge for the tours and booking in advance is advised. In between your browsing sessions, take a break in the coffee shop.

The National Gallery of Jamaica is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with slightly reduced hours on Fridays and Saturdays. It is also open on the last Sunday of every month. The museum is located in the Kingston mall and there is a charge for entry.

Popular places to visit


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ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

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15 min from airport in kingston jamaica

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Gallery of Jamaica

The National Gallery of Jamaica in Kingston offers an enriching experience with its captivating exhibitions of Jamaican art, including contemporary and historical pieces. Visitors can explore artist studios that showcase the creative processes of local talents, providing insights into the vibrant art scene. Additionally, the gallery often hosts workshops and events, allowing tourists to engage with the culture and creativity of Jamaica's artistic community.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centre is Tropical Plaza, located 4.8km from the National Gallery of Jamaica, offering a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, Manor Park Plaza, 9.7km away, provides a lively mix of business and city vibes.

Recreation

At Wynter's Park, enjoy serene surroundings ideal for relaxation and wellness activities just 1.6km from the National Gallery of Jamaica. For sports enthusiasts, nearby National Stadium and Sabina Park, both 1.6km away, offer vibrant atmospheres for engaging in various sporting events and activities.

Adventure

Explore Hardwar Gap, located 14.5km from the National Gallery of Jamaica, for an exhilarating outdoor experience. Enjoy the lush surroundings, take part in hiking trails, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty while soaking up the vibrant local atmosphere.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the National Gallery of Jamaica by visiting the Little Theater for captivating performances or catch a film at Carib 5 Cinema or Palace Cineplex, both offering a romantic atmosphere for an enjoyable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near National Gallery of Jamaica

The National Gallery of Jamaica offers a diverse range of attractions, including urban parks, museums, and event venues, perfect for travellers seeking cultural enrichment, family-friendly activities, and outdoor experiences. Explore the vibrant local scene and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Kingston, ensuring a memorable visit filled with unique experiences.

  • Jamaica Conference Center: Located a mere 322m from the National Gallery, this venue is ideal for business events, offering a professional atmosphere amidst Kingston's vibrant culture.
  • National Heroes Park: About 1.6km away, this urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With lush greenery and historical monuments, it provides a serene escape in the heart of the city.
  • African-Caribbean Heritage Centre: Situated right next to the National Gallery, this arts centre immerses visitors in the rich cultural tapestry of Jamaica, showcasing art and heritage that celebrates African-Caribbean history.

Best time to go to National Gallery of Jamaica

The best time to visit National Gallery of Jamaica can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Gallery of Jamaica falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Gallery of Jamaica falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February76.1°F (24.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March76.6°F (24.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December76.6°F (24.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Gallery of Jamaica

To save money on your visit to the National Gallery of Jamaica, consider travelling between September and November for lower accommodation prices. Saturdays are the most budget-friendly days to stay, while Tuesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter options by budget and sort prices from lowest to highest. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in Kingston and utilise public transport for economical travel around the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Gallery of Jamaica are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Gallery of Jamaica is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around National Gallery of Jamaica is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel stay near the National Gallery of Jamaica with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.