Art Galleries and Spaces in Sudan

Art is a very big part of Sudan’s rich culture. The country is home to many artists and some of the world’s most notable artists such as Ibrahim El-Salahi, Hassan Musa, Rashid Diab, Hussein Shariffe, and more. Although there aren’t any national art galleries or cultural centres, members of Sudan’s vibrant art scene have taken the initiative to establish art galleries to further promote and nurture the country’s artists and art.

If you’re looking to see or purchase Sudanese art, you should visit the following places:

Dara Art Gallery

Originally established in 1999 by artists Rashid Diab and Mercedes Carmona, Dara Art Gallery recently reopened is a professional art gallery that hosts art exhibitions of Sudanese art and contemporary African art by Sudan’s most notable artists Ibrahim El-Salahi, Yassir Abu El Haram, Hussein Gamaan, Ahmad Mohamad Shibrain and more. Since 2005, the gallery has been exclusively Rashid Diab’s private gallery and has been exhibiting his work from the 80s all the way till the present day. Over the years innaugurating new exhibitions and receptions. As of 2020, the gallery has come under new management and the works of more artists will soon be added. Many of Rashid Diab’s work from the 80s and 90s has recently resurfaced and will be displayed in 2021. 

Opening hours: Saturday – Thursday. Visits by appointment only.

Location: Al-Amarat Street 47, Khartoum

Contact: +249 121 872 892, dara.artgallery@gmail.com

For more information, visit daraartgallery.com or the Instagram page @daraartgallery.

Mojo Gallery

Mojo Gallery was established in 2010 to help promote Sudanese art and artists. The gallery is an interactive place for people with an elite artistic taste, where they can come together to share their love and admiration for art. All of the gallery’s artworks are original and for sale subject to availability. To many, Mojo Gallery is considered an art museum as it houses some of the oldest and most significant artwork by Ibrahim El-Salahi, Rashid Diab and more.

Location: Intersection of McNimir Rd with Africa Rd, Khartoum

Contact: +249 912 905 846, mojo.galery@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Mojo Gallery Facebook page, Instagram page @mojogallery, or Twitter account @mojogallerySD.

Rashid Diab Arts Centre (RDAC)

In the heart of Khartoum lies the Rashid Diab Arts Centre (RDAC) is the vision of internationally successful artist Rashid Diab, who returned to Sudan to give value to his country through art and culture. He wanted to give people the chance to celebrate their individuality and cultural heritage through art. The complex is an installation designed entirely by Diab himself and a temple to natural light, colour and recycled materials. Young and established artists can exhibit their work here and explore different mediums. Painting, drawing, sculpting and pottery workshops are also open to amateur artists and children. At the weekly forum held in the lush garden, guest speakers engage with the public about current issues in Sudanese society.

Opening hours: Sunday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm, Saturday 11 am – 2 pm; Sunday exhibition openings and weekly forums from 7 pm – 11 pm. Contact RDAC before you visit.

Location: Khartoum, Sudan

Contact: +249 90 460 0156, info.rdac@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Rashid Diab Arts Centre Facebook page or the Twitter account @Rashid_DiabAC.

Remenar Gallery

Remenar Gallery is contemporary and visual art gallery in Sudan where you can view and shop for original paintings as well as art pieces of heritage, various handicrafts, and antiques and accessories.

Opening hours: Daily 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Closed on Fridays.

Location: Al Jazar St, Riyadh, Khartoum

Contact: +249 91 607 1017, sogdan@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Remenar Gallery Facebook page.

The Downtown Gallery

Also known as “The Hidden Gem Of Alsoog Alarabi” and Sudan’s underground art gallery, The Downtown Gallery is Sol Creatives and Downtown Hotel & Business Center‘s joint project to transform the concept of art curation in Sudan. With a wall that fits up to 18 pieces of artwork and an art store attached, this small space is designed to make the visitor live the experience.

Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm

Location: Khartoum 2, location here

Contact: +249 99 479 9526, sol.downtown.gallery@gmail.com

For more information, visit sudandowntowngallery.wordpress.com, The Downtown Gallery Facebook page or Instagram page @sol.downtown.gallery.

The Muse Multi Studios

Founded by well-known Sudanese artist, Reem Aljeally, The Muse multi studios is a new creative space or cultural centre that aims to promote art – with a focus on visual arts – in the community and establish life-long learning opportunities between participants. The Muse aims to support artists through their journey by providing them with the tools, knowledge, spaces and the network they need.

Location: Khartoum

Contact: +249 11 829 7567, themuse.sd@gmail.com

For more information on The Muse, their exhibitions and programmes, visit themuseonline.home.blog or find them on Instagram @themuse_sd.

The Muse Studios Introduces Art Exhibitions in Partnership with Savannah Innovation Labs

Honourable mentions:

Dabanga Shop

Dabanga Shop is considered a souvenir shop that offers various unique handcrafts, artwork and other creative work from Sudan and Africa in general. Here you can view and purchase paintings, sculptures and other artworks, jewelry and body accessories, as well as furniture.

Location: 15th St, Khartoum

Contact: +249 91 900 1420

Papa Costa Restaurant

Papa Costa Restaurant is one the oldest restaurants in Sudan. With its warm and homelike atmosphere, the bar-like restaurant is mostly known for hosting some of the best music concerts and events as well as art exhibitions in town. On the weekends, enjoy an el fresco meal or drinks with live music. Parking is limited.

Opening hours: 10 am – 11 pm

Location: Al Gamhouria St, Riyadh, Khartoum

For more information, visit Trip Advisor.

Someet Gallery & Cafe

Someet Gallery & Cafe is a small, intimate and colourful cafe where you can enjoy casual and cultural dinning whilst looking at the art, antiques, handcrafts and furniture around you.

Opening hours: 6:30 am – 11 pm

Location: Al Jazar St, Riyadh, Khartoum

Contact: +249 92 822 1015, someetgallery@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Someet Gallery & Cafe Facebook page or Instagram page @someet_gallery.

Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these centres may or may not be closed. Please check before visiting.

Have we missed out any other art galleries or spaces in Sudan? Leave a comment with a suggestion!