The Mother City is known for its creative flair and extraordinary art galleries – from the impressive Zeitz MOCAA to the newly opened Norval Foundation – there are too many to choose from. It is a melting pot of art and culture, a true reflection of the city’s past and present.
Feast your eyes on amazing pieces while sipping on a glass of wine at one of these stunning galleries – whether its during First Thursdays or a Monday evening, there is something soul-searching about art gallery strolls. Here are five local galleries you must visit:
1. YoungBlood Foundation
The Youngblood Foundation aims to empower the diversity of art in all its forms – from visual and theatrical, to dance and music showcases. The foundation hosts a wide variety of art genres and has won a Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) award for its innovation in the art scene.
Located in the bustling Bree street, YoungBlood offers a variety of art – from contemporary to modern.
Each month they showcase a different artists’ unique work. Visual art exhibits are free of charge but live performances are charged per ticket.
Details:
- Location: 70, 72 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
- Contact: 021 424 0074
- Website: youngblood-africa.com
2. Eclectica Contemporary
Based in Cape Town, Eclectica Contemporary sees itself as an African gallery with an international vision. They celebrate the diversity and depth of art making on the African continent while aiming to contextualize it for a growing global market.
With an increasing focus on African Art around the world, Eclectica Contemporary aims to present a carefully selected and focused collection of art from the continent that interrogates issues facing us in a globalized world. The art at Eclectica Contemporary often showcases practices and materials from art history but which push these boundaries and explore uncharted territories of representation, technique and theory.
Details:
- Location: 56 Church St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
- Contact: 021 422 4145
- Website: eclecticacontemporary.co.za
3. World Art Gallery
World Art showcases modern and abstract pieces of work – taking the viewer on a fun journey. Located in Church street, it is surrounded by galleries but it’s unique elements attract passers by and art lovers.
The gallery hosts new exhibits each month and the mediums on display vary from visual art to sculpture and more. Entrance to the gallery is free of charge.
Details:
- Location: 54 Church St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
- Contact: 021 423 3075
- Website: worldart.co.za
4. The Goodman Gallery
This place was established in 1966 and is one of the world’s longest-standing international contemporary art galleries that showcase established and emerging local artists.
They exhibit artists who strive for change and shift perspective and transform social norms. International artists who explore unequal power structures and question the social narrative in the world, is mainly who showcases at the gallery. Visit the space to leave with a bigger picture of the art realm.
Details:
- Location: 37A Somerset Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051
- Contact: 021 462 7573
- Website: goodman-gallery.com
5. Irma Stern Museum
The Irma Stern museum can be found in the cozy corner of Rosebank, the gallery offers an escape from the city hustle. Irma Stern, a big name in the art world is celebrated through out the display and a collection of her art and artifacts set the scene.
The gallery is the previous home of Irma Stern and displays paintings, sculptures and ceramics. The art work shares Irma’s love for colour and life. Artifacts from all around the world are housed in the gallery – from Africa to Zanzibar.
Details:
- Location: 21 Cecil Rd, Rosebank, Cape Town, 7700
- Contact: 021 685 5686
- Website: irmastern.co.za
Also read:
R36.9 million raised in an auction devoted to Irma Stern, Cape Town
Picture: Unsplash