Discover Cameroon’s vibrant contemporary art scene through these essential galleries, offering diverse exhibitions, educational programs, and unique cultural insights.
1. doual’art – Douala
Overview:
Founded in 1991, doual’art is a pioneering non-profit art center in Bonanjo that champions public urban art and contemporary exhibitions. It regularly hosts site-specific installations, artist residencies, workshops, and the renowned SUD biennale.
Why Go:
- Immerse yourself in dynamic urban art that transforms the city’s identity.
- Engage with socially driven art and vibrant community-focused events.
- Visit the elegant Espace doual’art, featuring exhibitions, a café, and open-air garden spaces.
2. Galerie MAM – Douala
Overview:
Established in 1995 by Marème Malong, Galerie MAM offers a clean 300 m² exhibition space, coworking, and a literary café. It’s a hub of over 100 exhibitions featuring painting, photography, sculpture, and performance.
Why Go:
- Browse a curated catalog of emerging and established African artists—also available online.
- Join artist residencies and attend workshops or panel discussions.
- Enjoy a coffee and cultural chat in their in-house literary café.
3. Annie Kadji Art Gallery – Douala
Overview:
Once the Bonapriso Center for the Arts, this gallery was rebranded in 2004 by Annie Rachel Kadji Mbialeu. It’s a multifunctional space promoting African visual arts, multidisciplinary events, workshops, and educational outreach.
Why Go:
- See fresh solo and group shows dedicated to African contemporary art.
- Attend community-driven art classes, internships, and artist residencies.
- Connect globally—this gallery collaborates with international partners.
4. Bwo Art Gallery – Douala
Overview:
Launched in September 2023 by Brice Yonkeu and Noelle Mukete-Elhalaby, Bwo is a fresh contemporary space in upscale Bonapriso. It spotlights emerging voices and diaspora connections, starting with “The Defiant Ones” by Sesse Elangwe.
Why Go:
- Experience the pulse of a new generation of Cameroonian artists.
- Enjoy a modern, stylish gallery navigating local and international dialogues.
- Discover bold programming that highlights resistance, identity, and cultural pride.
5. Blackitude Museum – Yaoundé
Overview:
Blackitude is a private ethnographic museum in central Yaoundé, showcasing over 2,000 cultural objects gathered and curated since 2008. Its mission: preserve and celebrate Cameroon’s diverse cultural heritage.
Why Go:
- Explore rich royal treasures, masks, attire, musical instruments, and artifacts from across Cameroon.
- Learn Cameroonian history through thoughtfully themed exhibitions.
- Appreciate the intersection of art and anthropology in a uniquely curated space.
Bonus: Atelier Viking – Douala
Overview:
Founded in 1976 by Viking Kanganyam André, this artist-run studio in Bessengue offers hands-on art education in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and semantic creation. Since 2001, it’s also hosted exhibitions and community events.
Why Go:
- Participate in workshops, master classes, and studio visits.
- Witness experimental art—a blend of traditional and upcycled media.
- Mingle with local artists and explore the pulse of grassroots creativity.
Practical Tips & Gallery Map
| Gallery | Location | Hours & Entry |
|---|---|---|
| doual’art | Bonanjo, Douala | Check online for exhibitions |
| Galerie MAM | Bonanjo, Douala | Tue–Sat, 9 – 12 & 14 – 18h |
| Annie Kadji Gallery | Bonapriso, Douala | Regular hours (call ahead) |
| Bwo Art Gallery | Bonapriso, Douala | Visit website / social media |
| Blackitude Museum | Boulevard du 20 Mai, Yaoundé | Standard museum hours |
Why These Matter
These galleries represent Cameroon’s thriving spirit of artistry and storytelling—from urban public art to deep cultural heritage and contemporary expression. Visiting each offers insight into how art shapes national identity, social narratives, and Cameroon’s emerging place in the global art conversation.
Final Take
Whether you’re drawn to avant-garde urban installations, curated contemporary exhibitions, or cultural treasures, Douala and Yaoundé offer compelling destinations for art lovers. This curated route—spanning five standout galleries—promises a rich journey through Cameroon’s creative heart and soul.