Opened in 2013 in a former textile factory of more than 1,000 square metres, Texaf Bilembo stages exhibitions of contemporary Congolese art and photography, runs cultural and environmental workshops, and has a cafe, a small library on Congo and a shop selling postcards and books. Email texafbilembo@texaf-rdc.com.
Texaf Bilembo Cultural Centre occupies a former textile factory of more than 1,000 square metres inside the Utexafrica concession in Ngaliema, on the Kintambo side of Gombe in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The centre opened in 2013 and has become one of the capital's most dependable places to see contemporary Congolese art and photography without paying an entrance fee. The converted industrial hall keeps its high ceilings and open floor, which gives rotating exhibitions generous space, and the programme typically mixes painting, sculpture, photography and installation work by artists from Kinshasa and elsewhere in the country.
Beyond the exhibition hall, the centre runs cultural and environmental workshops, houses a small library focused on Congo, and operates a cafe where visitors can sit between rooms. A shop sells postcards and books, which makes it a practical stop for souvenirs that are lighter and easier to carry than larger crafts. Because the venue sits inside a secured business concession, entry involves a short check at the gate, and the entrance is at 372 Avenue Colonel Mondjiba in Basoko.
A typical visit takes 45 to 90 minutes: roughly half an hour to walk through the current exhibition, with the remainder spent in the library, shop or cafe. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the centre closed on Monday. Saturday mornings tend to be the liveliest and most atmospheric time, particularly when an opening or a special event is under way. The Bo Bazaar market, whose next edition is listed for 28 November 2026, draws a larger crowd of local makers and shoppers and is the best occasion to combine art viewing with browsing.
Weekday mornings are the quietest, and photography of the architecture is easiest when the hall is nearly empty. The site is about 10 to 15 minutes by car from central Gombe, and most visitors arrive by Yango ride-hailing or a hotel car. Contact is possible by phone at +243 818 785 072 or by email at texafbilembo@texaf-rdc.com, which is worthwhile for confirming the current exhibition before travelling across the city.
| Admission | Free entry |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM-1:00 PM; closed Monday |
| Typical visit | 45-90 minutes |
| Best time | Saturday mornings, or during special events such as the Bo Bazaar market (next edition 28 November 2026) |
| Getting there | Yango or a hotel car; inside a secured business concession, about 10-15 minutes from central Gombe |
| Address | Rue Esengo, Utexafrica concession; entrance at 372 Avenue Colonel Mondjiba, Basoko, Ngaliema, Kinshasa; tel. +243 818 785 072 |
Location
Rue Esengo, Utexafrica concession; entrance at 372 Avenue Colonel Mondjiba, Basoko, Ngaliema, Kinshasa; tel. +243 818 785 072
-4.3209, 15.2716 View on map
Highlights
- Rotating exhibitions of contemporary Congolese art and photography in a former textile factory
- Free entry to the exhibition hall
- Cafe, small library on Congo and a shop selling postcards and books
- Cultural and environmental workshops run on site
- Bo Bazaar market days (next edition 28 November 2026)
Tips for visiting
- Check the current exhibition by phone (+243 818 785 072) or email before making the trip.
- Arrive by Yango or a hotel car; the entrance is at 372 Avenue Colonel Mondjiba, inside a secured concession.
- Go on a Saturday morning for the best atmosphere, or on a weekday for quiet viewing.
- The centre is closed on Mondays and open only 10:00 AM-1:00 PM on Sundays.
- Buy postcards and books at the shop as light souvenirs.
- Carry small notes of cash for the cafe, since card acceptance cannot be assumed.
When to visit
Saturday mornings are liveliest, especially during openings and the Bo Bazaar market. Weekday mornings are the quietest for viewing the art and architecture.
Accessibility
The venue is a single large converted factory hall, which generally suits visitors with limited mobility, though step-free access details at the gate and entrance have not been confirmed. Contact the centre in advance if wheelchair access is needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Texaf Bilembo take?
Most visits take 45 to 90 minutes, including the exhibition hall plus time in the library, shop or cafe.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entry is free. Workshops or special events may be organised separately, so ask at the centre for details.
What are the opening days and hours?
Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The centre is closed on Monday.
Is it worth visiting with children?
The open hall and cafe suit families, though the exhibitions are aimed mainly at adults. Workshops sometimes include environmental activities, which are worth asking about.