South African National Gallery

What an amazing way to spend an afternoon. I’ve been to many museums and found the curation of this museum to be very original, inspiring, provocative, curious and friendly. Super cheap entry - I think it was about $5 USD equivalent. They even had an outdoor section where you can touch the sculptures providing a tactile experience way more accessibility focused than your typical museum. Easily spent a few hours here and the grounds outside make for the perfect picnic moment.

Good gallery with interesting exhibitions. Would be nice to see more of the permanent collection though. There are some great pieces. The gallery doesn't have a place to get a coffee or a water so bring something with you.

The National Gallery is one of Cape Town's cultural anchors. Steven Cohen's retrospective lets you see a major South African artist's work span decades in one visit - you don't get that chance often. For all the rigmarole, it's poignant, and his dedication to Elu Kieser is heartbreaking. Meyerowitz's wood carvings are built into the architecture. His Baboon relief is genuinely lovely. It's also one of the few places you can spend hours looking at serious work without being sold anything. If you want to understand Cape Town beyond the waterfront, go.

One of the best attractions I visited during my trip to Cape Town. It is only one floor, but I did like the artwork and the explanations provided. Apart from this the two employees at the reception were very friendly and polite. I think it is good enough considering the ticket is only R80. 100% recommended.

This was a nice, quiet gallery filled with great works of art. The entry price was very reasonable and they took credit cards so entry was quick. Each room had a distinct type of art and some of the best imagery I’ve seen in a gallery. It took me about 2 hours to get through the whole thing, but I tend to ponder a bit on some of the more intriguing works of art. I would put this on your list when in Cape Town.

Great exhibition space! Saw the Steven Cohen and motherhood exhibit… Was really well done!

The Iziko South African Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in natural history and the wonders of the natural world. Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, the museum features an impressive collection that spans various fields, including paleontology, entomology, and zoology. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the awe-inspiring dinosaur fossils that dominate the entrance hall. These ancient relics offer a glimpse into the prehistoric world, capturing the imagination of both children and adults alike. The museum’s extensive collection of mammal specimens showcases the rich diversity of wildlife found in South Africa, with exhibits that highlight both current and extinct species. One of the standout features is the impressive insect collection, which includes a variety of beautifully preserved specimens that demonstrate the incredible biodiversity of the region. The mineral gallery is another highlight, showcasing stunning examples of South Africa’s geological wealth. The museum is well-organized, with informative displays and interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to share insights, enhancing the overall experience. In addition to the exhibits, the museum hosts various educational programs and workshops, making it an excellent resource for schools and families looking to learn more about natural history. Overall, the Iziko South African Museum is a treasure trove of knowledge and discovery. It offers a captivating experience for anyone interested in the natural world, making it a must-visit attraction in Cape Town.

The National Gallery was such an inspiring experience! The building itself is majestic set in the oldest garden in Cape Town, a well-kept garden with an amazing array of plants, flowers and herbs (and not one piece of litter in sight 🙏🏽). So nice here. The artworks are diverse and while each piece has the artists name and date , I really wish they had added information on each piece thus offering us context and/ or glimpse into the artist themselves. They do offer us time periods which help us figure out some context for ourselves for example art produced in the midst of apartheid protests usually indicate a stance one way or the other but experiences are so much more complex- I would have liked to have known who the artist was as a person, their ideas on the political climate, their thoughts whilst making the piece. Adding a little extra would have turned each piece into its own adventure. Besides this, the art is amazing! It’s emotional and cathartic to see all these people, ordinary people fighting for freedom, people who never gained recognition nor wanted recognition for doing the right thing- standing up for people basic human rights. I especially loved the Nelson Mandela inspired works and the photos of protests- it left me emotional. The green room was my favorite for sure! The burning of the pass books was truly inspiring- seeing people stop playing by rules that were designed specifically to be a disservice to them. The dedication to gender issues also really spoke to me. Im so glad this museum provides a platform to discuss the complexities of gender identity. The museum felt like a safe space to explore ideas and analyze the past. The pieces are outstanding and I left wishing to know more about this amazing recent history- theres just so much! Finally I found it pleasantly shocking that it was only $5 for 3 people! What an amazing deal :-) I hope arts funding is a thing here because Cape Town has some truly exceptional phenomenal artists 💜