Visit our choice of Cape Town’s top art destinations
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ― Pablo Picasso
This December, be inspired by local art against the backdrop of the natural beauty of Cape Town. Take a leisurely drive and spend a morning or afternoon amongst some beautiful masterpieces. We’ve selected a few of our favourite art galleries that are worth visiting.
Century City Art Trail
Where: The Century City precinct
Cost: Free
Hours: Always open, except for the art inside Canal Walk which is subject to their trading hours.
More information: Century City | Smart City. Smart Choice.
The Century City Art Trail is made up of two parts: a permanent collection of 25 art installations of various types, shapes, and forms from mosaics, to sculptures, murals and architectural constructions and the Anton Smit Open Air Exhibition. The impressionable sculptures by this world-renowned are part of a 30-piece collection.
A map of both collections can be found on the Century City website, which includes a description of each piece. This mostly outdoor collection can be viewed on foot, but as the exhibition is extensive, it is advisable to drive between sections.
Norval Foundation
Where: 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
Cost: Non-members are required to purchase an Access card or Daily Admission ticket for R180 per person online or on site in order to gain access into the museum and Sculpture Garden. This card entitles the holder to unlimited entries for one year from date of purchase.
Hours: Monday to Sundays 9 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed on Tuesdays
More information: Norval Foundation | Art Museum
Contact number: 087 654 5900
Located in the Steenberg area of Cape Town, adjacent to Table Mountain National Park, the Norval Foundation combines the experience of art with an appreciation for nature, Norval Foundation is a centre for art and cultural expression . Consisting of a Sculpture Garden and purpose-built exhibition spaces, you can spend a few leisurely hours strolling through the various exhibitions. Complemented by the Skotnes Restaurant, enjoy breakfast or a slow lunch on the terrace overlooking the sculpture garden.
The current indoor exhibition includes The Zanzibari Years by Irma Stern (Closes 28 March 2022).
Everard Read Leeu Estates
Where: Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek
Cost: Free
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10h00 – 16h00
More information: Leeu Collection | Everard Read | Discover Leeu Collection Luxury Travel and Leisure
Contact number: 021 492 5980
Everard Read’s newest gallery at Leeu Estates in Franschhoek augments the existing gallery in the high street of Franschhoek. The focus is on showing monumental sculptures in the breath-taking fynbos and vineyards of Leeu Estates, as well as exhibiting important works by our artists in the purpose-built gallery on site. The Fynbosch quarter, where the new gallery is located on the farm, was designed by DHK architects, who also designed the Norval Foundation. The gallery benefits from their experience garnered there, with understated but immaculate finishes that show the art to its best advantage, while offering glimpses of the spectacular natural environment that surrounds Leeu Estates.
Besides the internal gallery, you can also take a stroll through the spectacular gardens of the estate.
Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
Where: Mulberry Farm, Paradyskloof Road, Stellenbosch. Map with directions available on webiste.
Cost: Pensioners: R120 per person (standard rate is R180)
Hours: Visits are by appointment only. To make a booking request, you can complete the form on the website, call the contact number below or email reservations@dylanart.co.za
More information: https://www.dylanlewis.com/garden
Contact number: 021 880 0054
Located between two worlds, one wild and one tamed, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden borders the manicured suburbs of Stellenbosch and a rugged mountain wilderness where leopard still roam. In this garden of private myth, the artist explores the Jungian notion of ‘the wilderness within’. More than 60 sculptures constituting a comprehensive record of his artistic development thus far have been carefully sited along 4km of paths.
