South African cities have plenty of art galleries and museums that make for interesting family outings. Here is a list of galleries and museums in your city to help you plan a fun day with your child.
Exploring art galleries and museums in your city with your child will help to nurture their appreciation of creativity. Feast your eyes at these art galleries.
Cape Town
AVA (Association for Visual Arts)
One of Cape Town’s oldest, non-profit art galleries showcasing contemporary South African artists in all media. In the heart of the city. Ongoing exhibitions (four at a time). 35 Church St, Cape Town. For more info: 021 424 7436 or email art@ava.co.za
Bell-Roberts Art Gallery
Established in 2000. A gallery committed to education in and development of the arts. In addition, this is one of the leading contemporary galleries in South Africa. Fairweather House, Woodstock. For more information: 021 465 9108 or email gallery@bell-roberts.com
Cape Gallery
Street art meets Early Cape Painters. The gallery is set in the heart of the old city. It is flanked by colourful facades built by 18th and 19th century settlers. 60 Church St. For more info: 021 423 5309 or visit capegallery.co.za
Irma Stern Museum
This is the house that Stern lived in for almost four decades, which has subsequently been turned into a museum. It showcases Stern’s development as an artist and also has a commercial gallery housing contemporary South African artists. Cecil Rd, Rosebank. For more info: visit irmastern.co.za
iziko South African National Gallery
An art museum containing major collections of African and international artists. Government Ave, The Company’s Gardens. For more info: 021 481 3993 or visit iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-museum
William Fehr Collection
Housed in the Castle of Good Hope. Permanent display of historical paintings from 17th to mid-19th centuries. Cnr Darling and Buitenkant St. Café and shop. For more info: 021 464 1260/4
Durban
African Art Centre
A welcoming light and airy gallery, which is a visual African feast. Above all, this is where the statement “high quality is our hallmark” rings true. Children welcome. 94 Florida Rd, Morningside. For more info: 031 312 3804/5
artSpace
Promoting African and South African art in a friendly and enjoyable manner. 3 Millar Rd, Windermere. For more info: 031 312 0793
Durban Art Gallery
Located in the city centre. The gallery displays works of renowned South African as well as international artists. Facilities for the disabled, coffee bar, shop, lectures and film shows. City Hall, Smith St. For more info: 031 311 2771
The BAT Centre
A delightful experience offering something for everyone. For instance, Bayside gallery, shops, artists at work, restaurant and drum shop. In addition, the studio is home to a number of residential artists. The double-storey building houses several art studios, which you can browse through. 45 Maritime Place, Small Craft Harbour. For more info: 031 332 0451 or visit batcentre.co.za
The Crouse Art Gallery
Formal but welcoming. Extensive works are displayed from room to room. Moreover, this gallery welcomes children with their mothers and children on school visits. 56 Adrian Rd, Windermere. For more info: 031 312 2315
The NSA Gallery
Boasts a spacious gallery and studios to watch artists at work. There’s a restaurant and jungle gym for children. The shop offers reasonably-priced beadwork, ceramics, carvings and other curios and crafts. 166 Bulwer Rd, Glenwood. For more info: 031 277 1703
Johannesburg
Afronova
Pan African gallery of modern and contemporary art. Exhibitions, screenings and performances. Cnr Miriam Makeba and Gwigwi St, Newtown. For more info: 083 726 5906, email afronova@tiscali.co.za or visit afronova.com
Artists Under the Sun
Over 100 artists exhibit paintings, pottery and ceramics at Zoo Lake on the first weekend of every month. Zoo Lake, cnr Westwold Way and Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown. For more info: 011 432 1482
Johannesburg Art Gallery
The biggest art gallery on the sub-continent. It houses many important collections of international significance. It is child-friendly, offering school tours as well as art classes on Saturdays. Cnr Klein St and King George St, Joubert Park, South East Joburg. For more info: 011 725 3130
Museum Africa
Treasure chest housing some 850 000 items. Temporary exhibition spaces host contemporary art shows. Mary Fitzgerald Square, 121 Bree St, Newtown. For more info: 011 833 5624
Spaza Gallery
A community gallery and non-profit organisation. Showcase of South African artists of many disciplines including painting, jewellery, mosaic and recycled work. Also on offer are workshops, Sunday lunches, music sessions and shows. 19 Wilhelmina St, Troyeville. For more info: 011 614 9354
The ABSA Gallery
Believed to contain the largest corporate art collection in the world (20 000 works). 160 Main St, ABSA Towers, North CBD. For more info: 011 350 5139 or email cecil@absa.co.za
Pretoria
The Pretoria Art Museum
This facility exhibits, conserves, documents and collects, especially South African art. Most importantly, the vast collection of art reference books may be used for research by learners and the general public. Cnr Schoeman and Wessels Str, Arcadia Park, Arcadia. For more info: 012 344 1807, art.museum@tshwane.gov.za
Fried Contemporary Art Gallery and Studio
Runs regular exhibitions of contemporary South African art including painting, sculpting and photography. Art classes are also available. 983 Duncan Str. For more info: 012 346 0158 or visit friedcontemporaryart.com
The Pretoria Art Association
The association hosts about 30 exhibitions. In addition, it runs workshops, lectures, art classes and competitions. Their interconnected galleries are situated in the peaceful Austin Roberts Park and Sanctuary. 173 Mackie Str, Nieuw Muckleneuk. For more info: 012 346 3100, artspta@mweb.co.za or visit artsassociationpta.co.za
Anton Smit Sculpture Park
This park is situated on three-hectare on the northern side of the Bronkhorstspruit Dam, on a plateau overlooking the water. The backdrop of natural limestone formations together witj the manicured lawns and gardens, have created the perfect environment to view the expansive collection of monumental sculptures and installations. Just outside Bronkhorstpruit between the R25 and R42. For more info: info@antonsmit.co.za
Open Window Contemporary Art Gallery
This gallery is attached to a tertiary visual communications school. It shows two- and three-dimensional work by established and emerging local artists. John Vorster Drive Ext East, Southdowns, Irene. For more info: 012 648 9200 or visit openwindow.co.za
Unisa Art Gallery
The gallery hosts a range of exhibitions each year, focusing on diverse and relevant aspects in the arts. Most importantly, research and education form part of the gallery’s services to the community. Kgorong, Unisa entrance building. For more info: 012 429 6255
Pietermaritzburg
Basani Art and Craft Centre
The centre boasts a gallery, a ceramics room and craft room containing a selection of Zulu crafts. The environment is informal and promotes learning. The centre provides a wonderful opportunity for artists to gain perspective and input in a constructive and helpful way. Adjacent to the Royal Show Grounds, Hyslop Rd. For more info: 033 342 3697 or betna@mweb.co.za
Tatham Art Gallery
The Tatham Art Gallery, one of the major art galleries and museums in South Africa, dates back to 1903. It accommodates school groups, youth art classes and holiday programmes for children. In addition, there is an artists’ forum as well as an art gallery library. Chief Albert Luthuli (Commercial) Rd. opposite City Hall. For more info: 033 392 2800 or visit tatham.org.za
Port Elizabeth
Sliced Bread Gallery
This is a gallery and studio covering a wide spectrum of creative practices from visual art to music, workshops and design. It hosts and curates monthly exhibitions. 39 St Philips Str, Richmond Hill. For more info: 084 304 4859 or 082 799 9471
The Ron Belling Art Gallery
The gallery is a converted art deco house. Both the gallery and the Ron Belling Military Aviation paintings are privately owned. They were acquired for the enjoyment and enrichment of Port Elizabeth and the wider community. The gallery also promotes and exhibits the work of selected up-and-coming artists. Similarly, it is committed to encourage and promote art among the youth. 30 Park Dr. For more info: 041 586 3973
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
The collections are housed in two buildings framing the entrance to St George’s Park. The collections consist of South African art (particularly that of the Eastern Cape), British art, international printmaking and Oriental art (including Indian miniatures and Chinese textiles). 1 Park Dr. For more info: 041 506 2000 or artmuseum@mandelametro.gov.za or visit artmuseum.co.za
The Eastern Province Society of Arts and Crafts (Epsac)
This is a thriving community-based gallery. Here, local artists from all around the Eastern Cape are actively promoted. The Eastern Province Society of Arts and Crafts offers regular exhibitions of local South African arts and crafts. 36-38 Bird Str. For more info: 041 585 3641 or epsaccommunityartcentre@southafricanartists.com
Child Magazine 2016
