Artist Talk: Reflections on Our Heritage: Tradition, Spirituality, Emancipation Following the opening of its most recent exhibition, One Nation, New Symbols, the National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), will host a related artist talk on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. The talk, titled Reflections on Our Heritage: Tradition, Spirituality, Emancipation, will be moderated by Reverend […]

Save the Date: Reflections on Our Heritage Join us this Saturday, October 18, 2025, as we celebrate Heritage Week with a One Nation, New Symbols artist talk titled “Reflections on Our Heritage: Tradition, Spirituality, Emancipation.” The discussion will feature artists Christopher Harris and Katrina Coombs, both of whom are featured in the exhibition, and will be moderated by Rev. Marvia Lawes. Stay […]

“One Nation, New Symbols” to Open on September 28, 2025 The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), will open its upcoming exhibition, One Nation, New Symbols, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. with entertainment provided by Fatalic Sounds. The exhibition will remain on view until March 29, 2026, inviting audiences to engage with fresh perspectives on […]

Election Day Opening Hours On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the National Gallery of Jamaica will close to the public at 12 noon to allow staff members to vote in the Jamaica General Elections. Regular opening hours will resume on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Closure Notice The National Gallery of Jamaica will be closed on August 29, 2025 due to an unforeseen event.

Happy Independence Day Happy Independence Day from the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the National Gallery of Jamaica. As we honour 63 years of freedom, we wear our colours with pride, carrying forward the strength of our past and the promise of our future, embracing the theme “Be Proud, Be Bold in Black, Green, and Gold”.

Emancipation Day Emancipation: Respect the Journey, Embrace the Legacy Today we commemorate Emancipation – a pivotal crossing in Jamaica’s history which initially began with the Apprenticeship in 1834, then culminated in “full free” of our enslaved ancestors in 1838. With the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in King’s Square, Spanish Town on August 1, 1834, slavery was […]

Holiday Closures The National Gallery of Jamaica wishes to announce that it will be closed on Friday, August 1, 2025  and Wednesday, August 6, 2025 in observance of Emancipation Day and Independence Day respectively.

The 30th Art of Reggae Exhibition Auction Catalogue The 30th Art of Reggae Exhibition Charity Auction is scheduled for Sunday, July 13, 2025, with registration beginning at 11:30 AM and formal proceedings starting at 12 noon. Entertainment will be provided by the Alpha School of Music’s Mutt and Jeff Sound System, and all proceeds will be donated to the institution. You can download […]

The 30th Art of Reggae Exhibition Closes with a Charity Auction The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ), in collaboration with the International Reggae Poster Contest (IRPC), is pleased to announce the upcoming Art of Reggae Exhibition Auction, taking place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 12 Ocean Boulevard, Downtown Kingston. The auction will begin at 12 noon, led by auctioneer Douglas Reid, artist and owner of […]

Save the Date because Auction Day is coming Have you visited “The 30th Art of Reggae Exhibition”? Spotted a poster you’d love to hang on your wall? Now’s your chance! Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025Time: Starts at 12 noon Featuring music by the Alpha School of Music — all proceeds go to support their incredible work. All 100 posters will be up for […]

Parting Ways: Kingston Biennial 2024 Closes with Choir Performance and Final Tour The National Gallery of Jamaica invites you to Parting Ways: Green X Gold + The KC Chapel Choir, the closing event of the exhibition Kingston Biennial 2024: Green X Gold. The event will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 12 Ocean Boulevard. Formalities will begin at 1:30 PM and will feature a special […]

Happy Fathers’ Day Happy Father’s Day from the National Gallery of Jamaica Today, we celebrate and give thanks to the men who have fathered or played a fatherly role in our lives.⁣ Your love, guidance, and support uplift those around you, and we honour all that you have done — and continue to do. Artwork: Rose Murray – […]

Submissions are Closed Submissions for One Nation, New Symbols are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted an application.

Closure Notice: Maintenance Please be advised that the National Gallery of Jamaica will be closed to the public on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to facilitate necessary building maintenance. The NGJ will resume regular opening hours on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Happy Labour Day Happy Labour Day! This Labour Day, we turn our attention to the environment under the theme: “Protect the Environment: Our Land, Our Duty, Our Future.” With this year’s slogan, “Jamaica Nice, Protect Wi Paradise,” we’re reminded of the deep connection between our national pride and the land we call home. It’s a message that resonates […]

Labour Day Closure To our valued customers the National Gallery of Jamaica will be closed this Friday, May 23, 2025 in observation of Labour Day. We will resume our regular opening hours on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

International Museum Day 2025 ICOM’s (@ICOMOfficiel) annual celebration of museums is here again, and this year’s theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”, couldn’t be more timely. At the National Gallery of Jamaica, we recognise the powerful role museums play in navigating change and inspiring dialogue. As Jamaica continues to evolve socially, politically, and economically, how do […]

“Can You Find It?” – An NGJ Instagram Scavenger Hunt for International Museum Day 2025 To celebrate International Museum Day 2025 on Sunday May 18, 2025, the National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ) invites you to participate in a special online event: “Can You Find It?”, an Instagram scavenger hunt that turns your screen time into art time. Inspired by this year’s theme, The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, […]

One Nation New Symbols: Instagram Live | May 21, 2025 The National Gallery of Jamaica’s Senior Curator, Monique Barnett-Davidson, will be hosting an Instagram Live session on Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 1:00pm to discuss details about the upcoming open call exhibition One Nation, New Symbols. We know that many artists have questions about how to apply, what the guidelines are, eligibility, etc and we […]

Happy Mothers’ Day Today we take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate mothers and maternal figures everywhere. Your constant love, guidance and support has nurtured and molded lives, communities, and futures. We are forever thankful for all that you have done. From all of us at the National Gallery of Jamaica—wishing you a joyful and love-filled day!

Happy Teachers’ Day Happy Teachers’ Day! Today we celebrate and thank all the teachers and educators who dedicate themselves to sharing knowledge, inspiring curiosity, and shaping minds—whether in classrooms, museums, or the wider community. Your care, skill, and commitment make a lasting impact across generations ensuring the longevity of knowledge. We appreciate your effort. Thank you, from the […]