A neighbourhood with art at its heart
Since the opening of the Trumpet building in August, the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank has been going from strength to strength. Taking the idea of a European village “high street” and bringing it to the heart of Johannesburg, the team behind Keyes Art Mile aimed to turn Keyes Avenue into an open fusion of art and architecture where art, design, life, leisure, fun, friends and work all form one seamless experience, and they’ve definitely succeeded.
A neighbourhood with art at its heart, Keyes Art Mile has quickly become the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening. With a series of galleries and exhibition spaces showcasing local and international art and design, residences, cafes, coffee on the go, artisan eateries, a boutique butchery, as well as vibrant shops, there’s something for every Joburger.
Building on the existing heritage of Keys Avenue, Keyes Art Mile creates a wonderful juxtaposition between old and new. Paved streets lined with rows of indigenous trees are home to both the 100-year-old Everard Read, Circa Gallery and Speke, as well as the new Trumpet building – the definite jewel in the Keyes Art Mile crown. A modern mixed-use design by Pierre Swanepoel, Trumpet is home to some incredible spots, including David Higgs’s much-anticipated restaurant, Marble, which sits at the top of the building with breathtaking views over Johannesburg. With its incredible food and live-fire culinary experience, Marble is already top of the wish list for South African foodies.
To add to Keyes Art Mile’s artistic focus, three globally respected galleries have also opened exhibition spaces on the avenue: SMAC, Southern Guild, and What If The World. The second floor of Trumpet houses Mesh Club – a curated members-only club that provides a workspace and platform for entrepreneurs and like-minded people to work and meet during the day, and connect and socialise in the evening. It is a chic step forward in the modern trend of co-working spaces.
Though they might be separate spaces, all the components of Keyes Art Mile come together to create an inspiring space united by a commitment to creative living, generosity of design, and to providing a second home for Joburgers.
Experience it for yourself
Keyes Art Mile
Words: Lucy Sarah Heaney | Images: Supplied
