A local's guide to some exceptional galleries showcasing emerging & established local creative talents!

There’s no denying South Africa has its share of incredible artistic and creative talent, a lot of whom hail from Cape Town – which is great for us locals, and those tourists wanting to immerse themselves in a taste of Mother City culture. Galleries, sculpture gardens, contemporary museums and so many more provide beautiful, immersive spaces exclusively dedicated to showcasing and experiencing the wealth of talent that our home has to offer. Where will you go first?

I hope these locations help get the creative juices flowing!

Zietz Mocca

Taking pride of place in the famed Silo District, Zeitz Mocaa is THEE art destination. Giving off MOMA vibes with African flair, the spectacular architecture coupled with incredibly diverse exhibitions and exciting events make this gallery and museum a must-visit. Did we mention it’s the largest showcase of art on the continent?

Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden

Offering the perfect combination of nature and art, this serene sculpture garden in Stellenbosch is a one-of-kind location to immerse yourself in culture and a beautiful landscape. Gorgeous life-sized pieces of art by local artist Dylan Lewis are dotted in among water features, lush fynbos and rolling hills. Bliss!

Norval Foundation

Spanning an incredible piece of land in the breathtaking Constantia Winelands, Norval Foundation is the kind of art destination where you will find yourself captivated for hours. In addition to large-scale installations of South African and African modern art and sculptures, the spot offers gorgeous picnics, a bar and restaurant, and even a kiddies playground.

AVA Gallery

AVA, (AKA Association for Visual Arts, founded back in 1850 as the SA Fine Arts Society) is one of the oldest art locations in the country, but despite its age, offers the ultimate combination of work from established artists, and emerging creatives seeking a space to break onto the scene. There are four distinct spaces in the gallery, featuring painting, sculptures, installations, performance art, fashion and new media.

The Bijou

Art gallery meets blacksmith studio meets coffee shop meets creative hangout – and that’s only half of what you can expect at this eclectic venue in the artsy suburb of Observatory. The passionate directors describe the space as “creative studios for the daring”, where not only artists can get their hands dirty, but art-lovers can come and admire their finished pieces.

State of The Art Gallery

Located in the East Side of the city, home to a ton of awesome restaurants, bars and quirky hangouts, this contemporary art gallery attracts browsers from near and far with its range of pieces. Featuring a selection of works curated from paint and ceramics to fabrics and textiles, you’re guaranteed to find an exhibition that speaks to you.

A4 Arts Foundation

This non-profit venture in the historic-rich area of District Six is a must-visit for those seeking a place to connect with the past, and future. Multidisciplinary artists and creators use the space to showcase innovative, unique and thought-provoking works of art that tell a story. If you’re on the hunt for a gallery with a difference, this is it.

Chandler House

Michael Chandler is known for his incredible artwork as a curator, illustrator, ceramicist and all-round aesthetic ability. Browse both his creations, and those of other local talents’, in his store-come-gallery stocked with all things beautiful.

Ebony Curated

Ebony/Curated exhibits contemporary and modern art from around the continent. The gallery represents a core group of emerging and established artists and participates in fairs internationally.

Eclectica Contemporary Pub

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 the issues facing us in a globalized world.

Cape Town Art Scene