Norval Foundation: A World-Class Art Destination in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs

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

Art Gallery Cape Town

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

Cape Town Museum
Claire Gunn

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

Norval Foundation

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.

Stay in the loop by subscribing to our newsletter.

Disclaimer:

The Inside Guide has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 19 June 2018

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31 Responses to “Norval Foundation: A World-Class Art Destination in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs”

  1. Isaac Schalk

    Good day. Would you plse add me to your mailing list?
    Thanking you kindly in advance.
    Isaac Schalk
    Simon’s Town

    Reply
    • The Inside Guide

      Hi Isaac, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
      Stay tuned for updates!

      Reply
  2. Jana

    Hi,

    Is the gallery open on weekends during Level 3 lockdown?

    Reply
    • The Inside Guide

      Hi Jana,

      As far as we know, Norval Foundation is still closed during lockdown level 3 for the time being.

      Reply
  3. Janice Marais

    Addition to mailing list and any pensioner benefits

    Reply
  4. 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.

    Reply
  5. Beulah warren

    Ad me to mailing list

    Reply
  6. Beulah warren

    Happy to receive updates

    Reply
  7. Jaco de Kock

    Add me to your mailing list, please.

    Reply
  8. Moira Marshak

    Please update me about upcoming exhibitions and events..Thanks!

    Reply
  9. Patti Stephens

    please add me to yr mailing list for upcoming events.
    thkx Patti ?

    Reply
  10. 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.

    Reply
  11. Sanneke Pama

    Please have a Pensioners Free entry day and please add me to the newsletter

    Reply
    • Michelle de Bruin

      Hi Sanneke, you’ve been subscribed to The Inside Guide’s newsletter.

      Reply
  12. Maryke Dennison

    Please add me to your mailing list

    Reply
    • Michelle de Bruin

      Hi Maryke, you’ve been subscribed to our newsletter.

      Reply
  13. Colin Wood

    Please put me on your mailing list
    Can’t wait to visit

    Reply
    • Michelle de Bruin

      Hi Colin, you’ve been subscribed to our newsletter.

      Reply
  14. Jen st leger

    Please add me to your mailing list. Thank you

    Reply
    • Michelle de Bruin

      Hi Jen, you’ve been subscribed to our newsletter.

      Reply
  15. Ronél Groenewald

    Please add me to mailing list

    Reply
  16. Helen Mc Lachlan

    Please add me to your newsletter

    Reply
  17. Mila Giganti Curchod

    Looks Amazing!

    Reply
  18. Florinagraham

    What about pensioners price. I’m sure many will want to visit

    Reply
    • Mila Giganti Curchod

      Very good and valid point Collen Williams

      Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  19. Colleen Williams

    Where are you situated?

    Reply
    • Jacqui

      (In the sbove mail)…..Where to find it :1 Ou Kaapse Road, Steenberg, Tokai, Cape Town

      Reply
  20. NeilGardner

    Wonderful initiative by the Norval family

    Reply