Unique nature, captivating history, exquisite food and drinks, thrilling wildlife, and a rich artistic infrastructure. Few destinations in the world offer these beautiful aspects of life in such perfect harmony. Voted the Best City in the World by the British newspaper *The Daily Telegraph* in 2018, Cape Town has become a must-visit art destination for art lovers, not only for its natural and cultural beauty but also for its remarkable artistic growth in recent years. (Cover Image: ciee.org)

1- Zeitz MOCAA

Founded under the leadership of German collector Jochen Zeitz, the Zeitz MOCAA—one of the world’s most important museums of Contemporary African Art—opened its doors in September 2017 in the iconic Grain Silo Building. With its impressive 9,500-square-meter space, groundbreaking exhibitions, and extensive collection, the museum quickly became a rising star in the art world—both across the African continent and internationally. Click here for more information.

2- Norval Foundation

Opened in April 2018, the Norval Foundation brought Cape Town a new art center that meets international standards. Located right next to the Steenberg wine estate and golf club, the Norval Foundation not only hosts rotating exhibitions alongside its own collection in a magnificent building, but also offers a living space that highlights the importance of nature. While visiting the Norval Foundation, we recommend exploring the sculpture garden and tasting the dishes at the Skotnes Restaurant—named after the renowned artist Cecil Skotnes—or enjoying the harmony of art and nature with a glass of Steenberg wine or a citrus-infused gin and tonic. Click here for more information.

3- IZIKO National Art Museum

This museum, a must-see for anyone interested in art, offers an impressive experience with both temporary and permanent exhibitions showcasing works from South Africa’s art history. Located in the Gardens district, a visit to the museum also provides the opportunity to explore nearby Iziko museums of various sizes, the Parliament building, as well as other important cultural landmarks in the city such as the A4 Art Foundation and the District Six Museum.

4- DYLAN LEWIS Sculpture Garden

One of South Africa’s most renowned sculptors, Dylan Lewis began using the farm he settled on in the early 1990s as his studio and eventually transformed the land into a sculpture garden. Located in Stellenbosch, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden features a vast natural landscape with carefully selected plants, hidden pathways, quiet viewing spots, small ponds, specially shaped mounds, and dedicated sculpture display areas. Inspired by wildlife, Lewis’s powerful sculptures can be found not only in South Africa’s leading wine estates, art hotels, collectors’ homes, and botanical gardens, but also in many prestigious private collections around the world. The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden can be visited by appointment. Click here for more information.

5- IRMA STERN Museum

The home of Irma Stern, one of South Africa’s most renowned artists, has been turned into a museum that offers visitors extensive information about the artist and the African continent. With its temporary exhibitions, it provides a unique experience for visitors every time.

6 – Street Art Tours

When it comes to street art, Cape Town offers impressive large-scale examples for those interested in its murals. The Woodstock and Observatory districts are filled with streets showcasing some of the best street art. On Harrington Street, one of the city’s up-and-coming streets known for its healthy food shops, trendy stores, and cafés, the dog mural created by Bart Smates Smeeks has practically become the symbol of the street.

7 – STELLENBOSCH and FRANSCHHOEK Wineries

All wineries especially compete in showcasing art. The most well-known among them, Delaire Graff Estate, offers visitors a wide selection with its expensive collection, including Tretchikoff’s *Green Lady* painting. Other notable wineries that enrich their vineyards with art include Leeu Estates, La Grande Provence, La Motte, and Tokara.

8 – Art Hotels

Located in the Waterfront and sharing a building with the MOCAA museum, the Silo Hotel is one of the city’s most luxurious and art-integrated hotels. Upon entering, you are greeted by large-scale works from rising contemporary African artists such as Jody Paulsen, Francis Goodman, Mahau Modiseng, and Cyrus Kabiru. Visiting the Silo and enjoying a drink at its rooftop bar after your MOCAA visit is a must for art lovers.

One of Cape Town’s most important and prestigious art hotels is Ellerman House. If you’re not staying at this beautiful hotel, you need to obtain prior permission just to enter and visit its valuable art collection and gallery. It’s definitely worth the effort to make an appointment with Ellerman House to see the exclusive artworks displayed inside the hotel and in its stunning garden with breathtaking views.

9 – Art Galleries

There are many art galleries where you can find some of the best examples of contemporary art—some well-established, others newer, and many participating in international fairs. Smac, Stevenson, Goodman Galleries, and Blank Projects are located in the Woodstock district. Among the long-standing galleries, Everard Read and Circa Galleries, with their locations overlooking the Waterfront, unique gallery buildings, and overall exhibition quality, are worth visiting. In the city center, Momo, WHATIFTHEWORLD, and Christopher Gallery are also worth a visit, provided you check their exhibition schedules in advance.

10- Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap, one of the city’s iconic neighborhoods known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and mosques, is a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. In this area, home to the Muslim community known as Cape-Malay, Cape Dutch and Edwardian-style houses are still inhabited by some of their original owners, while others have been bought and restored by creative young people, transforming them into charming modern spaces that grace the pages of design magazines.

Events

First Thursdays

Every first Thursday of the month, the city transforms into an open-air art festival. Galleries, cafés, and bars in the city center stay open late, and the streets are lively and bustling. If you don’t book in advance weeks ahead, finding a table at any restaurant is nearly impossible. However, for the best experience, we recommend not sitting down but rather wandering from bar to bar, exploring different streets and atmospheres while standing.

Cape Town Art Fair

Held every February, the Cape Town Art Fair, supported by sponsor Investec Bank, is expanding both the number and quality of its events. This growth parallels the city’s developing art infrastructure and the rising global interest of collectors drawn to contemporary African art. Click here for more details.

Those planning to visit Cape Town for art purposes and interested in venues that require special permission or appointments can request information by emailing [info@art50.net]

Güliz Özbek Collini