31 Aug 2014 | By Sun International
Explore the Art Scene in Cape Town
Cape Town is not just a naturally scenic and cosmopolitan South African city. The Mother City, as it is affectionately known, is also home to a vibrant and well-supported arts and culture community, that grows bigger each day. As a city, Cape Town actively supports arts and culture initiatives, boasting a record number of theatres and art galleries, found throughout the CBD and beyond.
With more than 100 art galleries within Cape Town and surrounds, the Mother City is an art lover's paradise. A number of the larger galleries house and host bigger exhibitions but the smaller galleries often roll out the red carpet for popular artists too. Whether it's contemporary artworks or more offbeat artistry you're looking for, Cape Town's wide range of galleries will quench your desire for some of life's most beautiful things.
Not just for art lovers or those interested in buying a unique piece, Cape Town's galleries are also home to great collections that tell the story of South Africa. Many of the permanent exhibitions express the country's history and give insight into more current South African affairs. The Table Bay Hotel is the perfect base from which to go gallery-hopping. These are our top six art galleries that you'll find in and around Cape Town – just enough to give you a taste of what's on offer, art-wise.
1. Iziko South African National Gallery
South Africa's premier art museum, the Iziko South African National Gallery, is home to outstanding collections of South African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish artworks. The gallery houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions and regularly hosts a wide range of corporate and official functions. As a multi-dimensional venue, the Iziko South African National Gallery is a popular destination for tourists and Cape Town residents alike. You'll find this gallery in Government Avenue, Company's Garden.
Where? Government Avenue, Company's Garden, Cape Town
Open hours: Daily from 10h00 – 17h00
Website: http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-national-gallery
2. The Cape Gallery
Situated in the heart of Cape Town's Church Street walking mall, The Cape Gallery has been operating since 1973. The Cape Gallery showcases artwork that is rooted in South African and African tradition. With a number of permanent and rotating exhibitions, the Cape Gallery is an intimate venue that packs a big punch, through its firm commitment to reflecting South African culture and showcasing the country's artists.
Where? 60 Church Street, Cape Town
Open hours: Mon to Fri: 09h30 – 17h00, Sat: 10h00 – 14h00
Website: http://www.capegallery.co.za/
3. The G2 Art Gallery
G2 Art Gallery in Shortmarket Street is a strictly contemporary gallery that exhibits and sells paintings, sculptures, ceramic and photographic works. This gallery also offers framing services for art buyers, decorators and printers.
Where? 61 Shortmarket Street, between Loop Street and Bree Street, Cape Town
Website: http://www.g2art.co.za/
4. Whatiftheworld
A little out of central Cape Town, in Woodstock, Whatiftheworld is an up and coming art gallery that has become well known for its exhibitions of innovative African works. Founded in 2008, Whatiftheworld is not just an exhibition space but also showcases performance pieces and other types of creative installations.
Where? 1 Argyle Street (Corner of Argyle & Albert Road), Woodstock
Open hours: Tues to Fri 10h00 – 17h00, Sat 10h00 – 14h00
Website: http://www.whatiftheworld.com/
5. Erdmann Contemporary Gallery
Launched in 2001 and recently relocated to Kloof Street in Gardens, the Erdmann Contemporary Gallery has a well-established reputation as South Africa's premier photographic gallery, but retains a strong focus on fine arts. Also home to the city's first art bar, Erdmann Contemporary Gallery's busy schedule is packed with holding exhibitions for local and international artists.
Where? 63 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
Website: http://www.erdmanncontemporary.com/
6. Worldart Cape Town
Worldart Cape Town highlights cutting edge work, through its focus on urban and pop art. Located in Church Street in Cape Town's CBD, Worldart helps manage and market artists, while leaving them free to explore their creativity through multiple types of media. Worldart also specialises in helping art buyers and collectors select and ship pieces for their collections, in South Africa and abroad.
Where? 54 Church Street, Cape Town
Open hours: Mon to Fri: 10h00 – 17h00, Sat: 10h00 – 13h00
Website: http://www.worldart.co.za/home.asp
Ask at the Concierge Desk at the Table Bay Hotel to find out what art exhibitions are unmissable during your stay in Cape Town. Or just tweet him, @concierge_ryan!