Our Favourite Art Galleries in Cape Town

Pablo Picasso once said: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” And, yes, there’s something about wandering around an art gallery that transports you to a world of inspiration and possibilities.

Whether you’re a visual hunter-gatherer of newbie artists, an admirer of old masters, or looking to turn a family day out into a fun cultural experience, these innovative spaces are sure to amaze and inspire you.

Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Zeitz MOCAA

It’s impossible to miss the impressive circular structure that houses the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa when visiting the Waterfront. Its signature raw-concrete bulk and convex windows tower over nearby buildings and ships in Cape Town’s docklands. Although known for its cutting-edge exhibitions and for showcasing and researching African art, the building itself is a showstopper, too – 56 old grain silos that received an eye-catching makeover courtesy of the UK’s Heatherwick Studio in 2017. The Zeitz MOCAA’s many and varied spaces over nine floors include the cathedral-like Atrium, Centres for Costume, Photography and The Moving Image, a rooftop sculpture garden and a shop stocked with arty items.

On show

• Tracey Rose’s subversive Shooting Down Babylon multimedia installation depicting various cleansing rituals, until 28 August.
• Indigo Waves and Other Stories, a group exhibition including filmmakers, musicians and writers, exploring how the Indian Ocean links Africa and Asia, until January 2023.
• A solo exhibition by SA painter Johannes Phokela until January 2023.

Chill time Head to the Gantry Café on the ground floor, or up to Level 6’s Ocular Lounge for a drink and a meal with fabulous views.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (last entry at 5.30pm)
Cost R210 (adults)
Free (children and teens)
Contact 082 350 4777, info@zeitzmocaa.museum
Where to find it V&A Waterfront

Iziko South African National Gallery

In the Mother City’s oldest garden, you’ll find the custodian of South Africa’s art heritage. The gallery’s stately early-20th-century façade welcomes you to experience the full evolution of art in this country. It houses thought-provoking temporary exhibitions (including photography, textiles, new media and craft) alongside its impressive permanent collections of South African modern and historical and international art – comprising no less than 11 000 works (and including big names such as Rembrandt, Rodin, Turner and the French Impressionists). The gallery has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and repurposing to better reflect its position as South Africa’s premier gallery in the 21st century.
Good to know The gallery reopens on Heritage Day, 24 September 2022.

On show Breaking Down the Walls: A Celebration of 150 Years of ISANG is the first exhibition in the “reimagined” gallery, an inclusive visual showcase reflecting the diversity of the Iziko art collections, this country and continent.
Chill time The Company’s Garden offers strolls through the green lung of the city, with its fragrant roses, fish ponds and time-worn trees. Children will love feeding the squirrels, and you can relax in the shade at the Garden’s coffeeshop.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Cost R40 (adults); R60 (non-SA residents); R20 (children, teens + pensioners); free (children, teens + pensioners on Friday)
Contact 021 481 3970, info@iziko.org.za
Where to find it Halfway up Government Avenue, Company’s Garden, Cape Town (alternate entrance from Hatfield Street, Gardens)

Irma Stern Museum

Also known as The Firs, this gorgeous house was once the home of Irma Stern (1894 –1966), one of South Africa’s most flamboyant artists. An exploration of its vibrantly and elaborately decorated spaces leads you past her eclectic collections of art, artefacts and furniture, and a studio that still has her easel and painting tools ready, as if she’s just left the room for a moment… In addition to the permanent collection, the museum celebrates its 50th birthday this year with artists-in-residence exhibitions, walkabouts and workshops.

On show

• A special selection of Stern’s works, Memórias da Madeira, painted during visits to the island, until 31 August 2022.
• Artist-in-residence Georgina Gratrix’s exhibition of oil paintings opens in September 2022.
• Celebrated composer and sound artist Neo Muyanga is in residence from November 2022.

Chill time The Secret Garden, with its sprawling lawns, flowers, many fountains and hidden sculptures, extends an open invitation for a BYO picnic.
Opening times Wednesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm (closed on public holidays)
Cost R65 (adults)
Free (children, teens, students and pensioners)
Contact 021 650 7240 / 060 827 0787, irmastern@uct.ac.za
Where to find it 21 Cecil Road, Rosebank, Cape Town

Norval Foundation

This family-friendly haven of art and nature in the Constantia winelands needs time to be appreciated, so make a day of it. Inside the purpose-designed linear building you’ll find a bouquet of exhibitions showcasing top South African and African modern art, with a particular focus on sculpture and large-scale installations. Outside is an interactive sculpture garden amid the indigenous flora, an amphitheatre and children’s playground. Don’t miss James Webb’s sound installation in the wetlands.

On show

• Uncover by Woodstock-based artist Kamyar Bineshtarigh is on until 10 October 2022.
• In Galleries 2 to 8, the remarkable When Rain Clouds Gather: Black South African Women Artists, 1940–2000 is on show until the end of 2022.
• Shady – Paris-based Kapwani Kiwanga’s large-scale works using shade cloth are up until January 2023.
• Opening on 8 September 2022 is Grada Kilomba’s A World of Illusions, films re-staging three Greek myths.

Chill time The Skotnes Restaurant and Bar (named after the renowned SA artist Cecil Skotnes) offers seating indoors or outside, with views across the gardens and to Table Mountain.
Good to know If you’re in the Winelands, be sure to pop in at Boschendal’s Manor House for contemporary exhibitions in partnership with Norval Foundation.
Opening times Wednesday – Monday, 9am – 5pm
Cost R180 day pass (adults); R220 one-year membership, unlimited entries
R180 students and pensioners (one-year unlimited admission)
Free (children and teens)
Contact 087 654 5900 (Tokai), info@norvalfoundation.org
Where to find it 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town

AVA

A long-running and beloved institution, the Association for Visual Arts (founded back in 1850 as the SA Fine Arts Society) is where many emerging artists cut their teeth and established ones return to showcase new work. As a nonprofit, the AVA’s aim is to advance artists from all backgrounds and cultures. The gallery’s four distinct spaces offer the opportunity to explore every medium, from painting and sculpture to installations, performance art, fashion and new media, which means for visitors there is an eclectic variety of work on display at any given time. Exhibitions change every six to eight weeks; visit the website for the latest info – as well as details on its collab spaces dotted around the city.

On show 

• First Thursdays 10-Year Anniversary exhibition from 18 August 2022.
• Between a Rock and a Hard Place, a group exhibition of five Cape artists working in mixed media, opens on 18 August 2022.
• A Ripple Effect: Dialogues with Water from 6 October 2022.
• The Nando’s Creative Exchange with Spier Arts Trust from 24 November 2022.

Chill time Pop around the corner to Haiku for Asian tapas, or down the street to Deluxe for a coffee.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm; Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Cost Free
Contact 021 424 7436, admin@ava.co.za
Where to find it 35 Church Street, Cape Town

Nel

You’ll find this artist-owned-and-run gallery in a beautiful, historic, double-storey building on cobbled Church Street (a former wine merchant’s store from 1901, and later the iconic Peter Visser Antiques), where it rubs shoulders with no less than nine snazzy counterparts and a bustling, open-air antique market. It may look old, but it’s super-contemporary inside. Owner and artist Luan Nel is an avid supporter of Cape Town artists (mainly painters, sculptors and ceramicists) but also hosts artists from the rest of the country and further afield, with regular group, solo or two-person exhibitions.

On show

• The MILK Collective, a group of artists collaborating across socio-cultural, age and continental divides, using their bodies as the canvas.
• Coming up are solo shows by Robyn Penn and Ferial Mohamed respectively, and Steven Sack’s fantastical steampunk clocks.
• From November 2022, catch Nel’s regular group Summer Salon.

Chill time Head up to Longmarket Street for Japanese streetfood at Tjing Tjing Torii.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm; Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Cost Free
Contact 083 324 6512, info@nelart.co.za
Where to find it 117 Long Street, Cape Town

WHATIFTHEWORLD

Located in inconspicuous Buiten Street, this locally and internationally acknowledged contemporary art gallery (founded in 2008) represents some of the most influential and edgy young artists working today in South Africa, Africa and the diaspora. It hosts solo shows and multi-disciplinary installations, and is known for allowing artists freedom to create significant and ambitious exhibitions. It’s also a regular at art shows and fairs around the world.

On show Strauss Louw’s solo exhibition of photographs salt-printed on hand-sewn fabrics, Showing Skin, is on until 10 September 2022.
Chill time Head round the corner into Bree and Wale Streets for a choice of cool eateries. We recommend Grub & Vine for superb bistro fare; Ouzeri for outstanding Cypriot dishes; Hacienda for upmarket Mexican; or The Bailey for a sophisticated bite on the town.
Good to know If you’re in the Tulbagh area, pop into the satellite gallery WITW at Twee Jonge Gezellen wine estate. On show until 24 September 2022 is Home Strange Home, a group exhibition curated by Reservoir Projects.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 9am – 5pm; Friday, 9am – 4pm; Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Cost Free
Contact 021 569 0680, akshar@whatiftheworld.com
Where to find it First Floor, 16 Buiten Street, Cape Town

blank projects

A project space turned art gallery on a sidestreet in what is now Woodstock’s Art Mile, blank projects is best known for its staunch support of emerging South African artists – conceptual and abstract works in particular. One of the most prominent is Igshaan Adams, who has since become world-renowned for his intricate woven abstractions. blank projects also represents established local artists, participates in prominent art fairs and promotes art in the community through outreach projects.

On show The Weight of a Stone, a group exhibition by 10 artists exploring earth in all its forms (clay, concrete, metal, glass, soil, stone…), is on view until 3 September 2022.
Chill time Grab a coffee at Flatmountain Roasters espresso bar, on the corner.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Cost Free
Contact 021 462 4276
Where to find it 10 Lewin Street, Foreshore, Cape Town

Goodman Gallery

Since the 1960s, Goodman has been synonymous with artists who unapologetically confront deep-seated power structures, express the sentiments of the day and inspire social change – remember the furore Brett Murray’s Hail to the Thief caused back in 2012? With galleries in Johannesburg and London, today it also represents more than 30 international artists alongside SA’s leading lights such as William Kentridge, Nicholas Hlobo, Lisa Brice and the late David Goldblatt. Cape Town’s Goodman is housed in a 19th-century former convent, with the architecture, outside spaces and courtyards adding to the overall experience. Keep an eye out for special events, such as film screenings.

On show Mozambique-born Cassi Namoda’s paintings, Life Has Become a Foreign Language, are on show until 3 September 2022.
Chill time The lovely on-site café, Cucina, does delicious Italian food.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm; Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Cost Free
Contact 021 462 7573, olivia@goodman-gallery.com
Where to find it 37A Somerset Rd, Green Point, Cape Town

Barnard

Founded in 2010, Barnard’s clean, modern space represents emerging and mid-career contemporary artists from Africa and Europe. The gallery has presented almost 70 solo exhibitions to date, and regularly participates in local and international art fairs. It has published a selection of books, showcasing the careers and work of its artists.

On show

• Jo O’Connor’s Sanctuary is on from 6 August 2022.
• Coming up are exhibitions by Katherine Spindler, Carolyn Parton, Alastair Whitton and Tshepiso Seleke.

Chill time Head to the Montebello Design Centre close by in Newlands Avenue for a browse and a light meal at The Gardener’s Cottage.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
Saturday, 9am – 12pm
Cost Free
Contact 021 671 1553, gallery@barnardgallery.com
Where to find it 55 Main Street, Newlands, Cape Town

Smac

This leading gallery first opened its doors in a historic building on Church Street in Stellenbosch in 2007, before expanding to Cape Town in 2011 and Johannesburg in 2016. Apart from showcasing some of the continent’s most exciting established artists and emerging talent, it also collaborates on curatorial and other projects with global institutions and practitioners. Smac is a regular at art fairs such as the Cape Town Art Fair, Art Basel Miami Beach and The Armory Show in New York.

On show Rosie Mudge’s Talking Back, a series of glitter-fade pastel paintings inspired by Alanis Morissette lyrics, is on show until 17 September 2022.
Chill time The gallery is in The Palms décor centre, where you’ll also find Sharon’s Café for sharing plates.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm; Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Cost Free
Contact 021 461 1029 (Woodstock); 021 887 3607 (Stellenbosch), info@smacgallery.com
Where to find it 1st Floor, The Palms,145 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock

Stevenson

Founded in 2003, expanded to Joburg in 2008, and now with an outlet in Amsterdam, the Stevenson Gallery has grown into a strong player in the contemporary art world. Uniquely, it’s jointly owned by a collective of 13 directors, a business model that ensures a diverse offering – it represents a number of top local art names, and regularly brings international artists to South Africa. The gallery is situated in the Buchanan Building, once part of Woodstock’s old meatpacking district, and now forms a key part of the area’s urban and creative revival. Exhibitions change every four to five weeks.

On show

• A large group show, Where Do I Begin, offers an experimental adventure of connections between various artworks, from 20 August 2022.
• Concurrently, The Breath in the Mind by Cian-Yu Bai will be shown as part of the gallery’s AMS series in which works by Amsterdam-based artists are exhibited locally.

Chill time Head one block down into Albert Road to the Woodstock Exchange for a meal at Superette (great brunches), Darling Brew Tasteroom (gourmet burgers) or Euphoria (tapas); or head further down to the Old Biscuit Mill’s How Bao Now (Asian street food) or The Pot Luck Club (booking essential).
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Cost Free
Contact  021 462 1500, info@stevenson.info
Where to find it 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Everard Read/CIRCA

Everard Read has a long and venerable history; founded in 1913 in Joburg it’s SA’s oldest commercial art gallery. It also represents some of our country’s most exciting talent. The Cape Town branch opened at the V&A Waterfront in 1996, with a London gallery opening in 2016. The latest addition, CIRCA, is opposite the original gallery (in a stone-walled Victorian building with many of its original decorative features intact) – this all amounts to a range of gallery spaces and a sculpture garden, with views of the harbour and Table Mountain as a bonus.

On show

• Michael McGarry’s Genre pictures (recycled paper-based works and sculptures made from metal and found objects) is on until 23 August 2022.
• At CIRCA, the Cubicle Series showcases smaller bodies of work and site-specific installations by a variety of artists (until 20 August 2022).

Chill time Head down into the Waterfront precinct for a range of options, including Ginja and Willoughbys.
Good to know Everard Read’s two satellite galleries in Franschhoek are located on the main road and in a custom-designed building and sculpture garden at Leeu Estates (also home to La Petite Colombe restaurant).
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm; Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Franschhoek: Monday – Sunday, 9.30am – 4pm
Cost Free
Contact 021 418 4527, ctgallery@everard.co.za
Franschhoek: 021 492 5980, erlgallery@everard.co.za
Where to find it 3 Portswood Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

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