A Creative City waiting for the Creative Traveller

Written by Menenaba

From contemporary hubs showcasing cutting-edge works to museums steeped in tradition and memorabilia, Accra’s flourishing art culture and artistic landscape beckons. This curated list unveils the city’s dynamic art spaces, each a testament to the vibrant art scene of Accra, where local and international artists converge, and creativity knows no bounds. 

Join us in celebrating Eight Art Centers to visit in Accra, as we shine the light on the thriving homes of diverse expressions of art that define Accra’s ever-evolving and lively creative landscape.

8. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF GHANA

Location: Number 2 Barnes Road, Central Accra.

Entry Cost: GHS 20

On the 5th of March 1957, as part of independence celebrations, the National Museum of Ghana was unveiled to the world. Nestled at Number 2 Barnes Road, Central Accra, on the same lane as GNAT Hall is this elegant edifice that stores our history. The national museum holds works in archeology, ethnography, and fine art from the Stone Age to recent times. These artifacts are not only from Ghana. Some monumental pieces from Southern Africa, Nigeria, Congo, and Ivory Coast are on display. All one needs is a cool GHS 20 to observe the history and heritage of Africa on display.

7. DIKAN CENTER

Location: Third Kaadjano St, Osu.

Entry Cost: Free

Dikan Center is the home of over 30,000 archival film and photography books featuring Africa. Besides boasting the largest photography library in Africa, the center also has a photo studio, gallery, classrooms, and space for workshops and a fellowship program for newcomer photographers and filmmakers.  Paul Ninson, founder of the center says that as a photography student in New York, he started buying books to share with photographers at home. Then, it dawned on him that he could create a space where all of Africa could benefit from his collection.

6. LA GALLERY ACCRA

Location: Sun City Hotel Apartment, La Road.

Entry Cost: Free

Founded by Eyetsa Lorraine Ocloo, a serial entrepreneur with businesses in Accra, Lagos, and Abidjan, the La Gallery Accra follows in the steps of her previously successful content store, The Shop Accra. This time, the gallery focuses on sustainability and celebrates impactful art through the transformative lens of redesigning, repurposing, and regeneration. You can find the pristinely decorated gallery on La Road, in the SunCity Hotel Apartment building, and close to Kingdom Bookshop. 

5. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Location: Barnes Road, Accra Central

Entry Cost: GHS 15

The Museum of Science and Technology was founded in 1965 on the advice of two lecturers at the University of Ghana, who believed that the country needed a state-sanctioned museum to create awareness of its past and current developments in the field of science and technology. Today, with as little as GHS15, you can access a library, science installations, the annual final year exhibition of the Department of Painting and Sculpture, KNUST, and other free private exhibitions usually on showcase in the basement. You can find the magnificent brown monolith tiled building with a suspended bridge walkway at the intersection of Barnes Road and Liberia Road, in the neighborhood of the Accra Technical University, opposite the Trade Union Congress building, and close to AirtelTigo head office.

4. FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

Location: W.E.B. DuBois Center

Entry Cost: Free

The FCA is one of the most respected networks of artists. Started in 2004 to promote contemporary art presentation and development. The institution partners with individuals, groups, and organizations to sponsor work that they deem innovative. The space located inside the W.E.B. Dubois Center in Cantonments has the most extensive open-to-all art library in Ghana. In addition, FCA organizes exhibitions and art conversations from time to time. 

3. HOUSE OF SAFORI

Location: Fayza Plaza, Oyarifa

Entry Cost: Free

The multitalented artist and jazz enthusiast Yaw Safori runs the House of Safori. The artist of over 25 years is known for his jazz-themed paintings and sculptures. With a gallery downstairs and a studio upstairs, Safori has the largest single-artist gallery in the country. His passion for fusing together his art and jazz has led to his creation of a Saturday club at his studio dubbed the Gallery Jazz Lounge, to explore conversations around his influences. Join them every Saturday at 4 pm at Fayza Plaza, Oyarifa, if you are cultured enough to talk jazz over wine and art.

2. NUBUKE FOUNDATION

Location: 7 Lome Close, East Legon.

Entry Cost: Free

Nubuke Foundation is a visual art and cultural institution in East Legon, off the Lagos Avenue road. Undoubtedly the most beautiful art center in the country, the lush green surrounding and sophisticated architecture is not the best part of this location. Immerse yourself in the works of some of Ghana’s most celebrated artists as well as upcoming creative minds, exploring art, culture, and society. The foundation also opens its doors and collaborates on events and projects that platform artists of all disciplines including musicians, content creators, dancers, etc.

1. GALLERY 1957

Location: Galleria, Kempinski Hotel

Entry Cost: Free

Let’s not act coy. You have come across Gallery 1957 on your timeline and feed across all social media platforms. It is one of the most visited art establishments in the country. Notwithstanding, if you have yet to visit the art institution with three different halls labeled Galleries A, B, and C, you can find it inside the grand Kempinski Hotel opposite the Efua Sutherland Childrens’ Park entrance. This gallery showcases work from artists across Africa and the African diaspora. And yes, they serve an exquisite array of small, flavorful finger foods with wine and juice at every opening. 

That is not all for art centers in Accra. As we close the curtain on this exploration of art centers, many others are fostering deep connections between artists and patrons throughout the city. The likes of ADA Contemporary, Berj, and Amba galleries deserve honorable mentions. Of course, organizations like Compound House Gallery and Artemartis do not have physical gallery locations. Still, they curate excellent exhibitions and installations across the city in collaboration with various art centers, and you should pay attention to them. 

Note: All these art centers are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from morning to 5 pm and unless otherwise stated, are free to visit.

About the Writer

Born at the intersection where a rainforest and a rain shadow convenes; Menenaba dispels stories through the gaze of a cultured faux socialite.