What’s not to love about the Cape Town art scene? In the CBD alone, there are so many art galleries your hardest decision will be which one to go to first… Here are a few of our favourites.
Eclectica Contemporary, Burg St
This historic Bo-Kaap gallery has all kinds of exhibitions – solo and group shows, art and design. All the contemporary South African shows are thought-provoking and unique, and the gallery staff are more than happy to share their insights about the work.
Gallery Momo, Buitengracht St
First in Joburg, then in Cape Town, Gallery Momo exhibits both local contemporary artists and international artists, and is well worth a visit to see their special take on the South African art scene.
Worldart, Church St
Actively marketing artists and helping patrons to expand their art collections, Worldart is a tiny space with big impact, thanks to its focus on urban contemporary art. Owner-run and managed, there’s an emphasis on up-and-coming artists in a fresh, new way.
Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Rd
This outstanding gallery and museum has some of the finest South African, African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art in the country, with an ever-changing collection that allows both temporary exhibitions and permanent pieces.
The Cape Gallery, Church St
An essentially African gallery in Church Street, the focus is on African culture, with vibrant street art included in the paintings, sculpture, ceramics and graphic sketches on display.
The AVA Gallery, 35 Church St
The Association for Visual Arts has an ever-rotating gallery, with exhibitions changing every four to six weeks in the different sections. It’s one of the oldest non-profit galleries in Cape Town, and always has something new and fresh to see.
Brundyn+, 170 Buitengracht St
A big player in the art world, Brundyn+ is one of the top contemporary South African fine art galleries in SA, with an emphasis on being a platform for artists and a space for collectors to discover new work.
João Ferreira Gallery, 80 Hout St
This by-appointment-only gallery (during the week, open on Saturdays) promotes visual artists who are already established on the South African contemporary art scene, as well as those who are still emerging, in a variety of mediums.
G2 Art, 61 Shortmarket St
Whether you’re looking for contemporary South African artists, Cape Town prints from the early 1900s or a framing specialist, G2 Art can help you out. This inner-city gallery is known for all of the above!
Grab a coffee, pick a direction and you can start your own art walk in the Cape Town CBD…
Words: Bridget McNulty | Images: Supplied
