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Ethiopian Art Archive
GALLERIES
Ethiopian Metropolitan Art Gallery
The Ethiopian Metropolitan Art Gallery was a private art space in Addis Ababa that contributed to the city’s cultural landscape by exhibiting works by Ethiopian artists and providing a quiet, accessible environment for engaging with visual art. During its years of operation, the gallery functioned as a platform for showcasing painting and other visual practices, attracting both local audiences and visitors interested in Ethiopian art. Although the gallery has since closed, it remains part of the broader history of independent art spaces in Addis Ababa, reflecting both the growing interest in contemporary art and the ongoing challenges faced by privately run cultural institutions in the city.
Studio 11 Art Gallery
Studio 11 Art Gallery is a vibrant contemporary art space in Addis Ababa, founded in 2021 by visual artists Nafkot Gebeyehu and Zion Yaynu with the vision of creating an inclusive platform for emerging talent and creative exchange. The gallery is known for its thoughtfully curated exhibitions that spotlight artists outside the mainstream and explore Addis Ababa’s dynamic subcultures, while also offering art classes, workshops, residencies, and community-focused events that support artistic development and education. Central to Studio 11’s mission is its commitment to nurturing young creatives — especially women artists — and fostering a resilient local art community that bridges practice, dialogue, and opportunity. Located on the first floor of Zemilo Hotel Apartment in the Bole area, the space has quickly become a celebrated hub for contemporary art in the city, attracting both local audiences and visitors eager to engage with Ethiopia’s thriving creative scene.
Asni Gallery
Asni Gallery was one of Addis Ababa’s most important independent contemporary art spaces, founded in the mid‑1990sby curator and cultural organizer Konjit Seyoum as a vibrant platform for local artistic expression, experimental exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and community engagement. The gallery played a vital role in promoting emerging and established Ethiopian artists, hosting thematic shows and programs that fostered dialogue within the city’s visual arts scene and connected it to broader artistic networks. It was known for its regular exhibitions, educational activities, and as a welcoming space where visitors could engage with contemporary art outside institutional contexts. However, like several other grassroots galleries in Addis Ababa, Asni Gallery eventually closed, reflecting the broader structural and financial challenges facing independent art spaces in Ethiopia. Its legacy continues through the artists, curators, and cultural conversations it helped nurture within the local art ecosystem.
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Ethiopia national museum addis ababa
Ethiopia national museum addis ababa
Addis Fine Art Gallery
Addis Fine Art is a leading contemporary art gallery based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, founded in 2016 by curators Rakeb Sile and Mesai Haileleul with the mission of elevating modern and contemporary art from Ethiopia, the Horn of Africa, and its diasporas. It was the first gallery in Ethiopia to adopt a “white cube” space and immediately became a critical platform for emerging and mid-career artists, hosting a dynamic programme of exhibitions, talks, and events that reflect both local perspectives and global dialogues in contemporary art. The gallery has played a significant role in introducing Ethiopian artists to international audiences through participation in major art fairs and collaborations abroad, while its Addis Ababa space continues to support artistic development within the region. In recent years, while the gallery’s London space closed in 2024 due to market challenges, the Addis Ababa flagship remains a vibrant center for artistic exchange and cultural engagement.
Artawi Gallery
Artawi Gallery is an independent contemporary art space in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, founded by Ethiopian photographers Sehin Tewabe and Abinet Teshome to champion photography and visual arts within the city’s evolving cultural landscape. Established out of a need for a dedicated venue that welcomed photographic and experimental art, Artawi became known for its dynamic programme of exhibitions, artist-led projects, and a growing photography book library that supports both artistic practice and learning. The gallery, located in Bole, provided a platform for emerging and established creatives to present work, engage with audiences, and foster artistic dialogue through regular exhibitions and collaborations with other cultural partners. While the physical space is currently temporarily closed, Artawi’s spirit continues in the influence it has had on Addis Ababa’s art scene and the ongoing connections and opportunities it helped create for artists working in photography and contemporary visual arts.
Lela Art Gallery
LeLa Art Gallery is a contemporary art space in Addis Ababa that has played a notable role in the city’s visual arts scene by exhibiting works by Ethiopian artists and engaging local audiences with diverse artistic expressions. Located in the Old Airport area, the gallery has showcased contemporary painting, hosted exhibitions, and at times welcomed community-oriented workshops and events that encourage creative exploration among visitors of all ages. Founded as a private gallery, LeLa has been part of Addis Ababa’s network of independent art venues supporting the visibility of modern Ethiopian art and artists.
ST GEORGE GALLERY
St. George Gallery is one of Addis Ababa’s earliest and most distinctive art and cultural venues, founded in the early 1990s by Ethiopian designer and entrepreneur Saba Alene. Originally established as St. George Interior Decoration and Art Gallery, it became known for its rich blend of Ethiopian visual art, traditional furniture, textiles, antiques, and contemporary works that vividly reflect the country’s cultural heritage and artistic diversity. Located in the heart of the city on Taitu Street, the gallery occupies a historic space where handcrafted furniture and decorative arts sit alongside paintings and collectible objects, creating a unique experience that bridges craft, design, and fine art. Over the years it attracted both local art enthusiasts and international visitors, showcasing high‑quality pieces rooted in Ethiopian tradition while also embracing contemporary expression. As a cornerstone of Addis Ababa’s art landscape, St. George Gallery has played a role in nurturing appreciation for Ethiopian creative practices and cultural legacy.
The Space Ethiopia
The Space Ethiopia is a contemporary art gallery and creative platform based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, founded in 2023 with the aim of showcasing modern artistic practices from Ethiopia and the broader East African region. The gallery presents thoughtfully curated solo and group exhibitions, providing a platform for experimentation, innovation, and cultural dialogue. Designed to engage both the local community and international audiences, The Space Ethiopia fosters artistic development, encourages critical conversations around contemporary art, and contributes to the growth and visibility of Ethiopia’s vibrant art ecosystem.
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