2022 is an exciting year for the National Gallery, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the National Gallery building on Esterley Tibbetts Highway. In early 2012, we opened our doors to the public in our new permanent home, providing a cultural hub for the community to enjoy. Previously operating out of temporary sites, this new state-of-the-art facility allowed the Gallery to house our collections, exhibitions, and programmes under one roof for the first time.
To mark this 10-year milestone, we’ll be featuring blog posts throughout the year to celebrate the National Gallery building and the exhibitions, events and education programmes hosted here that make the site come alive.
Let’s explore 10 Reasons to Visit the National Gallery:
1. Discover the National Collection
The National Gallery is home to the National Art Collection, featuring over 300 works of national significance. The second floor of our exhibition hall is dedicated to showcasing the collection, which tells the story of the evolving visual arts movement in the Cayman Islands, from traditional thatch crafts and early works by intuitive artists like Gladwyn “Miss Lassie” bush, to cutting edge contemporary pieces executed in a wide range of media. Over 100 artists are represented in the collection and counting! You can also explore our collection virtually.
2. Join a wellness class
The National Gallery provides a beautiful and relaxing setting to enjoy wellness activities for your mind, body, and soul. Each month we host a series of free wellness classes with local practitioners, including guided meditations, crystal bowl sound baths, yoga, dance, and teen art drop-ins. If you’re just looking for some extra quiet time to enjoy the galleries, we open one hour early on Mondays (9:00am) to offer a tranquil hour for viewing and reflection. View our wellness schedule here.
3. See new exhibitions
Did you know that the National Gallery hosts up to 12 exhibitions per year? The Lower Exhibition Hall showcases three major exhibitions each year, highlighting thematically and stylistically diverse Caymanian art. Additionally, we host smaller, artist-led and community exhibitions in our Dart Auditorium. National Gallery exhibitions can also be seen in satellite locations across the Cayman Islands, including at the Little Cayman Museum, Cayman Brac Beach Resort, and the Owen Roberts International Airport. With so many exhibitions both onsite and in the community, there is always a new National Gallery show to see!
4. Enjoy our gardens
The National Gallery’s peaceful gardens are full of diverse native plants and sculptural works. Get in touch if you’d like to book a guided garden tour, or simply come and enjoy reading or sketching in the shade. Our front garden trails lead all the way over to Camana Bay if you fancy a walk!
5. Meet friends for coffee at the Art Café
Our Art Café offers a variety of tea, coffee, and light snacks in a relaxed, help-yourself setting. The shaded breezeway is a lovely place to sit and catch up with friends, surrounded by lush gardens. National Gallery members receive complimentary coffee and tea.
6. Attend a lecture
The National Gallery hosts engaging programming to activate our exhibitions and create conversations about Caymanian art. Join us for a panel discussion, Artist Talk, or a Business of Art professional development seminar. These events are free to the public, offering intellectually stimulating conversations and opportunities to meet the presenters.
7. Shop for unique gifts
Our gift shop offers a wide selection of unique and locally made jewelry, books, kid’s items, and accessories. For art lovers, we have prints, exhibition catalogues, and National Gallery branded merchandise. As a nonprofit museum, proceeds from our shop help support our mission to keep our exhibitions and programmes free for everyone in the community to enjoy.
8. Join our kids and family programmes
From Family Fun Days to weekly afterschool Walkers Art Clubs, there are plenty of ways for budding artists to join in on the fun at the National Gallery. Our free Family Fun Days are held on select Saturdays and include craft stations, guided art activities and exhibition activity sheets. Walkers Art Clubs are yearlong, free afterschool art classes for children ages 5-17. Get in touch with our Education Department to learn more: education@nationalgallery.org.ky
9. Access the Maples Art Library
Tucked away in the National Gallery’s Education Centre, you’ll find the Maples Art Library, a treasure trove of over 2,000 books, journals, and catalogues focusing on the history of art and design along with numerous publications on arts education. This is the largest public collection of art books in the Cayman Islands! To schedule an appointment for the library, contact collections@nationalgallery.org.ky
10. Take an art class
If you’re looking to get hands-on and improve your art skills, join a National Gallery art class. Sessions are led by experienced artists and instructors and cover a wide range of techniques, from ceramics to water colour painting and photography. Classes are often themed along with our current exhibitions. View our events calendar to learn more and register.
