Cape Town is a vibrant hub of artistic expression, with a diverse range of art galleries showcasing everything from traditional African art to contemporary installations. We’ll share some of the city’s must-visit art galleries, including both well-known establishments and some hidden gems.
Iziko South African National Gallery
The Iziko South African National Gallery – the Mother City’s premier public art museum, houses a vast and critically engaging collection of historical, modern and contemporary artworks from South Africa and abroad; and seeks to create frameworks and spaces that are mixed and mobile and that can operate in trans-disciplinary settings.
- Website: https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-national-gallery/
- Location: Government Ave, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA)
As one of the largest museums of contemporary African art in the world, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is a must-visit for art lovers. Housed in a stunningly renovated grain silo at the V&A Waterfront, this museum offers cutting-edge exhibitions that celebrate contemporary art from Africa and the diaspora. The museum’s impressive collection includes works across various media, such as sculpture, painting, photography, and installation art. Zeitz MOCAA is a space that pushes boundaries and showcases the creativity of African artists on a global scale.
- Website: https://zeitzmocaa.museum/
- Location: S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
The Norval Foundation
The Norval Foundation is an art institution located in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town that focuses on contemporary South African art. Its stunning building and surrounding gardens offer a unique venue for displaying a range of art, from historical pieces to the most recent works by emerging artists. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, permanent collections, and educational programs, making it a hub for both art lovers and creators. It’s an ideal place for anyone wanting to engage with the evolving art scene in South Africa.
- Website: https://www.norvalfoundation.org/
- Location: 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Whatiftheworld Gallery
Located in Woodstock, Whatiftheworld is a cutting-edge gallery that showcases contemporary South African and international artists. Known for its bold and innovative exhibitions, the gallery often features work that challenges conventional norms and explores current social, political, and cultural issues. With a rotating schedule of exhibitions, this gallery is a must-see for anyone interested in thought-provoking art that engages with today’s world.
- Website: https://www.whatiftheworld.com/
- Location: First Floor, 16 Buiten St, Cape Town
Goodman Gallery
The Goodman Gallery is one of South Africa’s most prestigious contemporary art galleries, with a reputation for showcasing both established and emerging artists. It represents a number of internationally renowned artists, many of whom are at the forefront of the African contemporary art movement. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions that span various media, including painting, sculpture, and digital art. A visit to Goodman Gallery provides a glimpse into the high-quality and globally significant work coming out of South Africa.
- Website: https://www.goodman-gallery.com/
- Location: 37A Somerset Road, De Waterkant
The Michael Stevenson Gallery
Situated in Woodstock, The Michael Stevenson Gallery is a leading contemporary art gallery that focuses on modern South African art. The gallery has a history of working with some of the country’s most well-known artists, and its exhibitions span various artistic movements, from conceptual to post-apartheid work. With an emphasis on innovation and a commitment to highlighting new voices, this gallery is a great place to explore South African creativity in its many forms.
- Website: https://www.stevenson.info/
- Location: Buchanan Building, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock 7925
Irma Stern Museum
The Irma Stern Museum, located in the home of one of South Africa’s most iconic artists, Irma Stern, is a unique and intimate museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Stern. The artist, known for her vivid, emotive paintings, lived in the house from 1927 until her death in 1966. The museum features a large collection of her artwork, as well as artifacts and objects that inspired her. It’s a must-visit for those interested in the modernist movement in South Africa.
- Website: https://irmasternmuseum.co.za/
- Location: 21 Cecil Road, Rosebank
The Blank Project
blank was founded by Jonathan Garnham as a project space in 2005 and transitioned into a commercial gallery during 2012.
“The gallery represents emerging and increasingly established artists from the region and the diaspora in a critically engaged programme with a focus on concept and abstraction in the African context.
“With an exhibition programme that has a reputation for shaping the discourse around contemporary art in (Southern) Africa, and participation in prominent local and international art fairs, we seek to place our artists’ work in a wide range of private and institutional collections.”
- Website: https://blankprojects.com/
- Location: 10 Lewin Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
Art@Africa Gallery
Specialising in African art, Art@Africa exhibitions explore issues of modern society as well as focusing on the positive impact that South Africa has had on the work of artists. One of the major themes carried throughout the gallery is the idea of South African identity. Located in the V&A Waterfront, this world class gallery features South African artists and artworks. Works on display are available to buy and is available and can be shipped internationally. This is the place to visit if you are looking to see meaningful, quality, contemporary African art.
- Website: https://www.artatafrica.art/
- Location: Clocktower Centre, Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town