Housed in one of the country’s finest monuments, the National Gallery in Bulawayo is a unique facility, which holds invigorating and challenging exhibitions. The National Gallery in Bulawayo is composed of the many departments that include Curatorship, Exhibitions, Education, Outreach, Cinema, Technical Service and Administration. All these departments are involved in different activities to fulfil the gallery’s mission, motives and objectives.
The National Gallery in Bulawayo was founded by a group of Bulawayo artists in 1970. The artists’ aim was to create an impact on the development of the visual arts in Bulawayo. The gallery was situated in an old building that was once used as a vegetable market.
It then moved to its present site on 4th February 1994. This was after renovations to Douslin house which was named after the architect who designed it. Douslin House is a classical example of the Edwardian architecture was built in 1900. Prior to its occupation by the gallery; it served as offices of various organizations. It is one of the few such buildings in Bulawayo; which was declared a national monument. This makes the building befitting to be used as an art gallery.