The National Gallery organizes a programme of exhibitions every year. These exhibitions vary from high profile sponsored and traveling exhibitions, as the Zimbabwe Heritage Biennale, Cottco and National Schools Exhibition, internationally sponsored exhibitions normally hosted by Foreign embassies based in Harare to smaller exhibitions by either prominent or upcoming Zimbabwean artists. All exhibitions are designed to provide the greatest possible access to the National Gallery's shows for all Zimbabweans and visitors. Traveling exhibitions to the regional galleries in Bulawayo and Mutare, focus specifically on providing Zimbabweans and visitors in these areas with access to the National Gallery’s art showcases. Selling exhibitions are a source of revenue for the National Gallery, which retains a commission from the sale of artworks.

The Exhibition Programme for 2008 was as Follows:

Some of the highlights of this year’s exhibition programme include the recent staging of World Press Photo 08. The show was seen in Harare throughout February and has been particularly welcomed as one of the images on the show belongs to local photojournalist Boldwill Hungwe.

Other interesting shows on the 2009 Calendar include various solo shows including recent photographs by Eric Gauss, metal sculpture by Victor Nyakudya and stone sculpture by Albert Wachi. The year will also see the Gallery hosting its annual month of Photography during July as well as the exciting bouquet of shows slated to take place during the 10th staging of the HARARE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS at the end of April. Guadeloupe animation and mixed-media artist,  Eddy Firmin will make a special appearance at the Festival with his recent works and will then remain in Zimbabwe for a  three month residence programme.

THE 2009 EXHIBITIONS PROGRAMME FOR THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ZIMBABWE IN HARARE