Move over MOMA. There’s a knock-out art museum in the ‘burbs.
When Norval Foundation opened its lofty doors in April 2018, arts and culture enthusiasts sat up and took notice. Located in the serene Steenberg wetlands, with sweeping views of the vineyards and Table Mountain National Park beyond, the majestic, modern glass-and-metal structure matches the splendour within – offering an intriguing hint at what’s to come.
Founded by the Norval family and designed by DHK Architects, the museum is home not only to world-class, purpose-built galleries, but also a sculpture garden, outdoor amphitheatre, research library, restaurant and bar, shop, and children’s playground, too.
Dedicated to showcasing art with global appeal in an environment that fosters an appreciation for nature, Norval Foundation is a welcome addition to the homely ’burbs, and is another well-deserved feather in Cape Town’s ever-expanding culture cap.
Exciting exhibitions
Under the guidance of executive director Elana Brundyn, each exhibition is curated with the utmost care and attention, resulting in unique, contemporary and varied displays. The most prominent The Homestead Art Collection is a leading 20th-century South African collection assembled by the Norval family themselves, and features work by artists such as Deborah Bell, Peter Clarke, Dumile Feni, Trevor Makhoba, Cecil Skotnes, and many, many more.
Bruce Campbell Smith’s Revisions Collection is also worth a browse, not to mention cultural performances in the amphitheatre curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa, Owen Martin, and Portia Malatjie.
To find out what’s currently on exhibit, subscribe to our newsletter, and we’ll keep you posted.
The Skotnes Restaurant & Bar
And, like all world-class galleries, Norval Foundation has a contemporary restaurant attached to it. Named after legendary local artist and teacher Cecil Skotnes, it overlooks mountains, vineyards and the impressive sculpture garden. The bistro-style menu pays homage to traditional South African dishes, but with a modern twist on flavours. Open for lunch and dinner, The Skotnes Restaurant and Bar is a decidedly civilised way to end an exhilarating outing.
Green pastures
The beautiful grounds were landscaped by Keith Kirsten International, and are not only stunning to look at, they’re also environmentally sensitive. By removing all alien and invasive plant species, and replanting indigenous fynbos, the area has been revived – making it a safe home to the endangered western leopard toad. The striking sculpture garden does double duty as an attraction for insects and birds, as well as a place of contemplation and learning.
The foundation is also powered by an array of solar panels, which, together with a grey-water purification system, ensures the museum is doing its bit to reduce its carbon footprint.
A wonderfully welcome addition the southern suburbs!
Good to know On the first Thursday of every month (until July 2020), Norval Foundation grants free all-day access to its gallery spaces and sculpture garden, making its rich cultural offerings available for the public good.
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31 Responses to “Norval Foundation: A World-Class Art Destination in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs”
Isaac Schalk
Good day. Would you plse add me to your mailing list?
Thanking you kindly in advance.
Isaac Schalk
Simon’s Town
The Inside Guide
Hi Isaac, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for updates!
Jana
Hi,
Is the gallery open on weekends during Level 3 lockdown?
The Inside Guide
Hi Jana,
As far as we know, Norval Foundation is still closed during lockdown level 3 for the time being.
Janice Marais
Addition to mailing list and any pensioner benefits
Irene Jardine-Riffel
Hi Please add me to your mailing list. I can’t seem to add it to your link…it doesn’t respond. Thanks.
Beulah warren
Ad me to mailing list
Beulah warren
Happy to receive updates
Jaco de Kock
Add me to your mailing list, please.
Moira Marshak
Please update me about upcoming exhibitions and events..Thanks!
Patti Stephens
please add me to yr mailing list for upcoming events.
thkx Patti ?
Michelle de Bruin
Hi Patti,
You’ve been subscribed!
Verna G de Wet
As a Pensioner, I will be visiting the Norval Foundation on the 16th, and would appreciate being added to the newsletter.
Sanneke Pama
Please have a Pensioners Free entry day and please add me to the newsletter
Michelle de Bruin
Hi Sanneke, you’ve been subscribed to The Inside Guide’s newsletter.
Maryke Dennison
Please add me to your mailing list
Michelle de Bruin
Hi Maryke, you’ve been subscribed to our newsletter.
Colin Wood
Please put me on your mailing list
Can’t wait to visit
Michelle de Bruin
Hi Colin, you’ve been subscribed to our newsletter.
Jen st leger
Please add me to your mailing list. Thank you
Michelle de Bruin
Hi Jen, you’ve been subscribed to our newsletter.
Ronél Groenewald
Please add me to mailing list
Helen Mc Lachlan
Please add me to your newsletter
Mila Giganti Curchod
Looks Amazing!
Florinagraham
What about pensioners price. I’m sure many will want to visit
Mila Giganti Curchod
Very good and valid point Collen Williams
The Inside Guide
Hi Florina, we have been in touch with the organisers and there are no plans for a pensioner’s package at this time. However, they will continuously be running specials that will apply to everyone.
Colleen Williams
Where are you situated?
Jacqui
(In the sbove mail)…..Where to find it :1 Ou Kaapse Road, Steenberg, Tokai, Cape Town
Cat
I didn’t see where to find it either.
NeilGardner
Wonderful initiative by the Norval family