The art scene in South Africa’s Mother City is amazing. The city has an incredible wealth of venues ranging from world-class museums and private art institutions to independent art galleries and private township homes.
Whether you are looking for unique Cape Town art exhibitions, wish to admire street art in Woodstock, or pay a visit to a thriving art school, here is my ultimate art lover’s guide to Cape Town.
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCCA)
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Opened in 2017 at the V&A Waterfront’s historic Grain Silo, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is the largest contemporary art venue in all of Africa. Here, you will find everything from large scale sculptures and video installations to cutting-edge contemporary art paintings by African and black American artists like Kehinde Wiley and Glenn Ligon.
SMAC Gallery
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Woodstock is definitely the most creative art district in Cape Town and a must-visit place in the city for every art lover. This vibrant neighborhood is also home to the SMAC Gallery where visitors will find many Cape Town art exhibitions and works by artists such as Masimba Hwati, Cyrus Kabiru, and Lohla Amira. Make sure to check out the recent exhibition of Simon Stone’s work and his super-realistic paintings.
Christopher Moller Gallery
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Situated in a lovely Victorian building in Tamboerskloof, Christopher Moller Gallery is a great gallery to find works by local up-and-coming young artists. Some of the highlights here include works by the award-winning Tony Gum whose self-portraits mock mass media and popular brands.
Abe Opperman Gallery
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Located in De Waterkant, Abe Opperman Gallery is well-known for its modern interior and works by Opperman who says that art is all about sharing a personal experience. Besides Opperman’s works, expect to see seasonal exhibitions that change every couple of months.
Stevenson Gallery
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No list of Cape Town art exhibitions would be complete without mentioning the fantastic Stevenson Gallery where visitors will find contemporary work from South Africa. The gallery also features works by 20th-century South African artists like Ernest Mancoba and Sydney Kumalo.
Recommended Accommodation
Iziko South African National Gallery
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One of the most famous art museums in the city, Iziko South African National Gallery is located in Company Gardens and boasts permanent collections of Flemish, Dutch, South African, and British art. You will also find temporary exhibitions which focus on textiles, sculpture, beadwork, and photography here at the Iziko South African National Gallery.
Street Art in Cape Town
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If you love street art, you’ll definitely want to stop by the striking murals in the Woodstock neighborhood. The works here focus on everything from political issues to wildlife conservation. One of the best ways to experience the street art is by going on a guided tour of the murals with Township Art Tours and learn more about the murals by artists like Faith47 and Nardstar.
Being one of the most beautiful cities in Africa, it’s no surprise that Cape Town is bursting with a variety of classic and contemporary art galleries. If you’re looking for things to do in Cape Town, we will be more than happy to help. If you’re also looking for a great all–inclusive holiday accommodation in Cape Town, we offer excellent Cape Town accommodation options – apartments, villas and hotels you can actually afford. Browse our selection of accommodation by area and tours, or get in touch today for help with finding the perfect places to stay in Cape Town.
