Village des Arts
A compound of artists' studios in northern Dakar where fifty-odd painters and sculptors work and sell directly.
Updated 1 September 2026
The Village des Arts occupies a former military camp in northern Dakar, converted from the 1990s into permanent studios for around fifty artists who live and work there. Studios open onto shaded lanes and most artists are happy for visitors to walk in, watch and talk, and work is bought directly rather than through a gallery. The range runs from painting and sculpture to installation and textile work, and the village is the centre of the contemporary art scene that the Dak'Art biennale showcases.
Highlights
- The open studios - around fifty working spaces with artists in them.
- The direct sale - buying from the person who made the piece rather than a dealer.
- The range of work - painting, sculpture, textile and installation side by side.
- The compound - shaded lanes in a converted military camp.
When to go
Year round; studios run on weekdays and many artists are around at weekends too. Dak'Art biennale years, in the northern spring, bring the village alive. Afternoons are when most people are working.
What to expect
Not every studio is open on a given day and some artists prefer not to be interrupted. Prices are negotiated and the range is wide. The compound is unmarked from the road and taxi drivers do not always know it.
Nearby
Central Dakar is south, and the airport road runs past the entrance.
What to pack for Village des Arts
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Village des Arts is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.