South African National Gallery

★★★★★ 4.4/5 (4,967 reviews) Very Good

About This Museum

You might not expect to find a Rembrandt etching just down the road from Table Mountain, but that's the kind of delightful surprise waiting here. The gallery feels like a quiet, contemplative space, a world away from the city buzz outside. Its collection is a fascinating conversation between European masters and powerful contemporary African art—you'll see classical portraits hanging near vibrant, politically charged works from across the continent. It’s a place that truly reflects South Africa's complex artistic soul.

Collection Highlights

Look for Gerard Sekoto's poignant paintings of township life, which feel both intimate and monumental. The gallery also holds an impressive collection of beadwork and other applied arts that tell different kinds of South African stories.

Visitor Information

It's nestled right in the Company's Garden, so you can easily make a day of it—art first, then a stroll through the beautiful grounds. Check their website before you go as they have fantastic temporary exhibitions that change regularly.

Architecture & Building

From the outside, it’s a handsome, classic Cape-style building with a grand white facade, but inside it opens up into surprisingly modern, light-filled galleries.

Contact & Location

Address: Government Ave, Orange Street, Cape Town Ward 115, Cape Town, City of Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa

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