Although it's Jamaica's commercial hub, the thriving capital city of Kingston offers a huge variety of things to do, sights to see, and places to go.

Consider veering away from the resort towns of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril and plan a trip to Kingston to soak in the authentic Jamaican culture.

When you take our advice, we highly recommend that you start your Kingston exploration in the local art galleries.


Hi Qo Art & Framing Gallery

The gallery is on Waterloo Road in New Kingston and in its collection are works by Jamaican artists such as Colin Garland and George Rodney.

It also features bronze works by Fitz Harrack and Susan Alexander and carvings and ceramic works by Gene Pearson.

Tel: (876) 754-9419


Frame Centre Gallery

This gallery has been showing quality Jamaican art for the past 30 years from names like the late Milton George, Allan Zion, Everald Brown, Margaret Stanigar, Kofi Kayiga, and Stanford Watson.

Tel: (876) 926-4644

Bolivar Gallery

Run by Hugh Dunphy since he opened it in 1965, this gallery exhibits the works of some of Jamaica’s best-known artists.

Established in 1965, Bolivar Gallery and Antiques are one of the oldest art galleries in Jamaica.

The gallery displays a collection of works by local and international artists, using various media.

Bolivar gallery has the potential to locate pieces of interest and acquire them for clients. In addition, the value of any artwork in one's possession can be assessed by Bolivar.

Tel: (876) 926-8799




Olympia Gallery

A space within a residential complex, this gallery occasionally displays the art of Jamaican artists.

The architecture of the complex is itself an attraction, and there is a well-stocked art store on the premises selling graphic art supplies and offering custom framing.

Tel: (876) 927-1608

Grosvenor Gallery

This gallery is a venue for exhibitions and other art-related events.

It displays paintings, drawings, sculptures, and ceramics. Outside is a lush garden for respite from Kingston’s bustle.

Tel: (876) 924-6684




The National Gallery of Jamaica

This gallery, located on downtown Kingston's waterfront, houses the largest collection of Jamaican art and much of that is on permanent view.

The NGJ mounts several exhibitions a year, with two recurrent ones.

The National Biennial is mounted at the end of every other year and the Annual National Visual Arts Exhibition and Competition is in the summertime.

Tel: (876) 922-1561



Amaicraft

The gallery above this frame store is a well-kept secret, where those in the know regularly go to view and buy choice pieces from select artists.

It's located in Market Place, along with a range of restaurants at 30 Red Hills Road.

Tel: (876) 920-9134


Studio 174

Studio 174 is a group of young artists who run an exhibition space at 174 Harbour Street in downtown Kingston.

Go there for fresh ideas, new works and classes including fine art drawing, painting, film production, photography, sound, and radio.

Tel: (876) 372-6098


Revolution Gallery

Revolution Gallery offers more than just art, it's a gallery collective promoting artist exchanges and other activities.

The gallery is located at 52 Lady Musgrave Road.

Tel: (876) 946-0053


Island Art & Framing

Come to Island Art & Framing to view and purchase the unique works of Jamaican artists and craftsmen.

The gallery offers a beautiful selection of original island art and carries exquisite handcrafted hardwood furniture, as well as Jamaican and imported home décor and craft items.

The other services offered include the framing of certificates, mirrors, posters, paintings, and full-service picture framing.

Tel: (876) 977-0318


Gallery Barrington Limited

Barrington Watson is Jamaica’s master painter. His works are striking combinations of form and color that radiate with energy.

Whatever his subject, be it landscape or the human form, he executes his work with great skill.

The recipient of several awards from many countries, he is recognized for his mastery of technique, depth of feeling, and originality of vision.

He is the author of Shades of Grey, a collection of autobiographical stories illustrated with his own paintings. The “Pan-Africans” portfolio, comprising 44 paintings, took him four years to complete.

Tel: (876) 978-7424


Decor Viii

This gallery is one of Kingston's newest. It offers an extraordinary collection of fine art, finely-crafted accent furniture, collectibles, and other unique Jamaican items.

Tel: (876) 927-8111


Maison D'Art Gallery

This fine arts gallery located in the heart of Kingston offers a wide variety of specially-designed art and crafts.

Tel: (876) 920-3510


Sanaa Studios

Founded in 2008, and conveniently located in Kingston, Jamaica, Sanaa Studios was created to provide a training ground for artists and art enthusiasts.

They offer practical art classes given in a series of workshops by qualified, experienced instructors drawn from the diverse and amazing body of talented artists in Jamaica.

Tel: (876) 977 4792


Simón Bolívar Cultural Centre

The two-storey building, which is the former office of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, now features an exhibit space, the Símon Bolívar Exhibit Hall, to commemorate the Venezuelan liberator’s stay in Jamaica in 1815.

It also provides a link to the architectural period that existed at the time of his stay in Kingston.

The facility houses an interpretive museum, library, administrative block, exhibit hall, and a 350-seater multicultural center.

It builds on the Bolivarian concept of cultural enlightenment, offering opportunities for young children to be exposed to the cultural and performing arts.

Tel: (876) 967-0378 -80

A few other spots around Kingston to view and purchase art:

128 Gallerie Tel: (876) 978-7424

Alexander Cooper Gallery & Museum Tel: ( 876) 944-4711

Belcour Art Gallery – Gordon Town Tel: (876) 356-5769

Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts Tel: (876) 926-9593 Ext 2082

The Art of Contemporary Jamaica Tel: (876) 927-9958

Frame Centre Gallery Tel: (876) 926-4644

Jamaica Guild Of Artists Tel: (876) 754-5169

Suite Jamaica Travelling Gallery Tel: (876) 530-5744