Gweru Provincial Art Gallery: 10 Things to See and Do in Zimbabwe’s Cultural Hub
Located in the city of Gweru, Zimbabwe, the Gweru Provincial Art Gallery is the premier destination for art, culture, and history. Established in 1983, the gallery houses a vast collection of Zimbabwean art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and mixed media pieces. It also has an extensive library of books and periodicals related to the country’s culture and history. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for an interesting place to explore, here are 10 things to do at the Gweru Provincial Art Gallery.
1. Explore the Permanent Collection
The Gweru Provincial Art Gallery’s permanent collection includes works from some of Zimbabwe’s most renowned artists, such as Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Sylvester Mubayi, and John Muafangejo. The collection also features works by contemporary Zimbabwean artists, such as Owen Maseko and Colleen Madamombe. The gallery has an impressive selection of sculptures, prints, and photographs, as well as mixed media pieces.
2. View the Temporary Exhibits
The gallery also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions range from solo shows of local artists to group exhibitions featuring works from around the world. Recent exhibitions have included the works of Zimbabwean sculptor Sylvester Mubayi, a retrospective of the works of Zimbabwean painter Nicholas Mukomberanwa, and a survey of contemporary African art.
3. Take a Guided Tour
The Gweru Provincial Art Gallery offers guided tours of its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. The tours provide an in-depth look at the artworks and their historical and cultural context. The tours are a great way to learn more about Zimbabwean art and culture.
4. Attend a Workshop
The gallery also offers workshops for adults and children. The workshops cover a variety of topics, including painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. The workshops are a great way to explore the creative process and learn more about the art of Zimbabwe.
5. Visit the Gift Shop
The Gweru Provincial Art Gallery has a gift shop that sells a variety of items, including books, prints, jewelry, and souvenirs. The shop is a great place to pick up a unique souvenir or gift for someone special.
6. Enjoy a Meal at the Café
The gallery’s café is a great place to take a break and enjoy a light meal or snack. The café serves a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. The café also has a selection of local beers and wines.
7. Attend a Lecture or Event
The Gweru Provincial Art Gallery hosts a number of lectures, workshops, and other events throughout the year. These events are a great way to learn more about Zimbabwean art and culture. Recent events have included lectures on the history of Zimbabwean art, workshops on printmaking, and book signings by local authors.
8. Take a Walk in the Garden
The gallery’s gardens are a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the fresh air. The gardens feature a variety of plants and trees, as well as sculptures and other works of art.
9. Explore the Library
The gallery’s library has an extensive collection of books and periodicals related to the history and culture of Zimbabwe. The library is a great resource for those interested in learning more about the country’s art and culture.
10. Visit the Gift Shop
The gift shop at the Gweru Provincial Art Gallery is a great place to pick up a unique souvenir or gift. The shop sells a variety of items, including books, prints, jewelry, and souvenirs.
The Gweru Provincial Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for art and culture lovers. Whether you’re looking to explore the permanent collection, attend a workshop or lecture, or just take a stroll in the garden, the Gweru Provincial Art Gallery has something for everyone.