National Art Gallery of The Bahamas

Located in a historic building and featuring a variety of artistic styles, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is the premier arts institution on the island. 

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is one destination that art lovers, in particular, will want to check out. Located in a 19th Century mansion and showcasing a menagerie of different styles and mediums, the Nassau Art Gallery, or NAGB, showcases the beauty of the Bahamian past and present. 

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas: View Art at the NAGB

Art Gallery Nassau Bahamas: A History

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is in Villa Doyle, a historic house that dates back to the 1860s. Originally home to the first Chief Justice of the Bahamas, the extension added to the home in the 1920s made it one of the most desirable homes on the island. 

The historic National Art Gallery of the Bahamas dates back to the 19th Century.

In the 1990s, discussions raged around what to do with the building, with some people seeking to destroy it, given its ties to the colonial past. However, a historian and the founding Chairman of the NAGB, Dr. Gail Saunders, successfully fought to preserve the site. 

Architects and other professionals spent the better part of seven years restoring the building, and it officially became the National Art Gallery Nassau in 1996. 

What to Do at the Nassau Art Gallery

Appreciate the Architecture of Villa Doyle 

As mentioned, Villa Doyle houses the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. As you tour the different exhibits inside and outside the building, it’s hard not to appreciate the historic structure.

With surrounding verandas, bright colors, and a commanding view of the area, it’s typical of many other noteworthy Bahamian buildings.  

The interior and exterior of the NAGB feature bright and colorful artwork.

View Local Art

Of course, the highlight of the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is the various exhibits on display. These provide travelers with a visual tour of the history and culture of the Bahamas.

The National Art Gallery Nassau exhibits many different styles of local artwork.

The ground floor displays the permanent exhibits of the Nassau Art Gallery, while the second floor is home to temporary galleries. There’s also a small but well-curated gift shop.

From sculptures and photographs to paintings showcasing the lived experiences of certain identities, there’s a lot to absorb as you walk through the historic halls. 

Explore the Grounds 

The exterior of the Nassau Art Gallery has a collection of sculptures.

Outside the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, you’ll find several sculptures and pieces scattered across the grounds. The museum does an excellent job at maintaining its exterior, so the area is well worth exploring. 

It should take you between one to two hours to explore the interior and exterior of the National Art Gallery Nassau. 

Getting Into the National Art Gallery Nassau 

Like many Nassau attractions, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is just a short walk from the city center. Because of its location, it’s easy to visit no matter how much or little time you have in the capital. 

From the cruise terminal, it’ll take between 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the NAGB. Along the way, you’ll pass several other interesting sites, all of which are worth checking out. 

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is a short walk away from Downtown Nassau.

Alternatively, travelers staying on New Providence or Paradise Island can taxi to the Nassau Art Gallery. 

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. It’ll cost adult travelers $10 to enter (as of 2023*). Students and senior citizens pay $5, and children under 12 enter for free. 

Getting Around the NAGB

Walking around the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas will take you inside and outside the beautiful and historic building. The grounds, in particular, are lovely, and many travelers have reported enjoying them.

Art Park is the outdoor exhibition part of the museum.

At the Art Gallery Nassau Bahamas, you have the choice to experience the museum on your own or with a guide. If you have a group of ten or more individuals (but less than 25), you can book a tour between Tuesday to Friday before 4 pm. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests…

Like many art museums, the Nassau Art Gallery has a rotating list of exhibits. Because of that, it’s possible to have a completely different experience at the museum than someone who visits at another time of the year.

Check out the museum’s website before visiting to learn about what you can look forward to seeing when you arrive. You may be in for a treat!

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas: Art, History, Education, and More

With its extensive collection and central location, there’s no reason not to visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas when touring Nassau. Doing so lets you experience art, Bahamian history, and so much more.

After touring the National Art Gallery Nassau, you can find more tastes of Bahamian culture at Graycliff Heritage Village, which is right next door. John Watling’s Distillery, the Government House, and Gregory’s Arch are other nearby attractions you’ll want to explore. 

If you’re interested in discovering all there is to know about Nassau, check out the rest of our site. From travel guides to an interactive map, it offers an encyclopedia of information to ensure you have the best Bahamas vacation possible.