For over 66 years, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe has stood as a beacon of artistic innovation, witnessing the nation’s transformation from colonialism to independence. It has played a central role in promoting Zimbabwean artists on the global stage. The gallery’s journey began in the 1930s, though its progress was delayed by World War II. It wasn’t until the National Gallery Act of 1953 that its foundation was firmly established.

Designed by architects Montgomerie and Oldfield, the gallery opened its doors to the public on July 16, 1957, with Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, officiating the ceremony. Her opening address expressed a hope that the gallery would enrich the lives of all who dwelled in Rhodesia. The inaugural exhibition was a significant event, featuring art objects from prestigious galleries and museums worldwide.

The 1970s saw the Bulawayo community’s efforts to establish their own gallery, feeling isolated from the main gallery’s activities in Salisbury. This led to the formation of the Rhodesia Society of Artists in 1969, with the intention of establishing a gallery in Bulawayo. By 1972, a new National Gallery Act renamed the Rhodes National Gallery to the National Gallery of Rhodesia, integrating the Bulawayo Gallery under the same board of trustees.

The year 1980 marked Zimbabwe’s independence, which had a profound impact on the gallery’s work. Anticipating the lifting of sanctions and a change in government, the gallery shifted its focus to international engagement. Today, with branches in Bulawayo and Mutare, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe continues to promote the best of Zimbabwean art while welcoming international exhibitions. Throughout its history, the gallery has been central to the growth of contemporary art in Zimbabwe and remains committed to maintaining high standards and fostering continued growth.