The National Art Gallery of Maldives was established by the Government of Maldives to nurture visual art practices in the country through regular displays of Maldivian and international art works. A principal aim of the NAGM is also to develop a permanent collection of artworks deemed as representative of Maldivian culture.

In addition to regular exhibitions, the National Art Gallery will also organise workshops, seminars and lectures aimed at the professional development of artists, audience and market development.

The NAG was inaugurated in October 2005 with Maldives Contemporary 2005, an exhibition of 29 Maldivian painters.