Visionary ideas propel the greatest human accomplishments

The works of art in the collection of the National Museum of African Art have been made with imagination, insight, and the highest level of skill and creativity to address critical perspectives on universal human issues.

More than 300 works of art from the museum’s permanent collection are on view within this exhibition. Working in media as diverse as wood, ceramics, drawing, jewelry, mixed media, sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking, and video, these works of art reflect the visionary ideas and styles developed by men and women from more than half of Africa’s 55 nations. The installation is organized around seven viewpoints, each of which serve to frame and affect the manner in which African art is experienced. With a room devoted to each viewpoint, the installation presents African art from the perspective of

collectors
scholars
artists
sponsors
performers
museums
—and you, the visitor.

What draws you to a work of art?

Together, these perspectives offer insights into the museum’s permanent collection, which has, for decades, shaped much of what the world knows and values about Africa’s arts. They reveal knowledge of the artists, the contexts in which the artworks have made an impact, as well as their ongoing lives within collections and museums.