Center for National Culture, Accra

The Center for National Culture in Accra, also known as "The Arts Center," is a vibrant hub for Ghanaian art, culture, and heritage. Located adjacent to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, this center is a treasure trove for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Ghana's artistic traditions and cultural wealth. Established in 1982, the Center operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, with a mission to promote and sustain cultural and artistic excellence in the Greater Accra Region and beyond.

At the heart of the Center is its bustling marketplace, often regarded as a "tourist heaven," offering an array of authentic Ghanaian handicrafts. Visitors can browse and purchase woven Kente cloth, wooden sculptures, beadwork, leather goods, and the latest in African fashion. The textile market is a particularly popular spot for its vibrant selection of handcrafted goods.

Beyond shopping, the Center is a hub for artistic education and cultural development. It offers workshops and classes in traditional crafts such as ceramics, pottery, weaving, wood carving, and painting. The Visual Arts Department produces and showcases textiles, ceramic wares, and sculptures for both educational and commercial purposes. The Center also organizes weekend schools for traditional performance arts, including dance and music, ensuring the preservation and transmission of cultural knowledge to future generations.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Center hosts theater and dance performances, local music concerts, and periodic drama, dance, and choral festivals. Its Art Gallery and various exhibitions provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to display their works. Visitors can also enjoy a selection of cafes and restaurants that reflect Ghana's culinary traditions.