“Cape Town has got it all in terms of scenic beauty and as we like to describe it, natural art at its finest. However, look past the obvious scenic splendor and you will find a hugely creative city with a burgeoning and inspiring art scene in many other forms.”

Sandy white beaches, two wondrous oceans, mountain vistas for miles and world renowned wine valleys – Cape Town has got it all in terms of scenic beauty and we like to describe it as natural art at its finest. However, look past the obvious scenic splendor and you will find a hugely creative city with a burgeoning and inspiring art scene in many other forms.

Always on the pulse of Cape Town’s uniqueness, have a look at our own favourite artistic experiences that are simply not to be missed!

CONTEMPORARY ART: The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa

There are few superlatives that describe this new architectural masterpiece which is a piece of contemporary art in its own right.  Whether you have an interest in art or not, walking into the atrium and dramatic honeycombed interior will leave you spellbound.

The Zeitz MOCAA is also what modern African artists have been waiting for – their very own Tate Modern or MoMA – to use as a platform from which to tell their stories. Located in the former forsaken grain silos at the V&A Waterfront, this marvel of a museum houses 100 galleries spread over nine floors, featuring 21st-century work from artists spanning from all over the continent. The 360-degree views of Cape Town from the 9^th floor rooftop sculpture garden just add to the artistic splendor.

EMERGING ART: Maboneng Township Art Experiences 

Winner of global public art and tourism awards, this hugely interesting community initiative based on the belief that townships are the epicenter of art around the world. The Maboneng Township Art Experience turns local homes into personal galleries and outdoor spaces into vibrant performance districts. Started by Siphiwe Ngwenya, artist and Alexandra township local, this inspired initiative aims to change local perceptions of art as an activity of only the elite upper class, by training local artists, empowering the youth, and creating jobs through art. The regular escorted tours curate an artistic journey into the homes of loving Langa and Gugulethu families and make the experience a really unforgettable one.

FOOD AS ART: La Colombe

Art stretches far beyond paintbrush to canvas at La Colombe – and this is where Head Chef Scot Kirton’s flair for innovation is delivered through his detail driven passion and right onto your dinner plate! Kirton’s exquisite plating skills are a precise art; balanced and perfectly harmonious. His team’s faultless techniques are awe inspiring to say the least, and this is why we think a visit to La Colombe needs to be on your ‘Cape Town Art’ itinerary! Recently voted as the 7th Best Restaurant in the World by TripAdvisor, our advice is to go see and taste for yourself, and a wise word of warning – book as soon as possible!

STREET ART: Salt River Art Tour

One of the oldest areas in the Mother City has undergone a vibrant makeover to become an exciting suburb representative of the cultural diversity in the neighborhood. Salt River was recently host to the first International Public Art Festival in early 2017, welcoming over forty local and international street artists to manifest their imaginations on buildings in the area. The festival stimulated the beginning of a new art experience through which visitors are led on tours of the artistry by local residents with a wealth of knowledge on both the history of Salt River, as well as the new murals.

CITY ART: First Thursday’s

On ‘First Thursdays’, the streets of Cape Town’s CBD come alive with pedestrians, from trendy hipsters and young professionals, to active retirees, or families with dogs in tow, to foreign visitors – all looking for a fun night out! The concept is simple and hugely successful, on the first Thursday of every month, inner city art galleries and local boutiques as well as other cultural attractions in Cape Town stay open till late to encourage visitors to explore the city and all its offerings on foot.

DESIGN ART: Southern Guild Gallery  

Situated in the new trendy Silo district of Cape Town’s waterfront, the owners of Southern Guild have spearheaded the high-end design category in Africa over the last 10 years, putting Africa on the world stage and propelling local artist-designers to make spirited, challenging and complex work.  We think the gallery is a wonderful celebration of world class Africa, showcasing the very best of aspiring African artists and local limited-editions.

SCULPTURAL ART: Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden

Hidden away on magnificent mountain slopes outside Stellenbosch, this expansive garden is home to hidden paths and a plethora of lush indigenous plants, but most importantly it houses over 60 structural pieces by world-renowned sculptural artist, and South African native, Dylan Lewis. The garden is home to multiple species of fynbos, creating a link between nature and art that is evident through the many sounds and scents in this venture that has been more than eight years in the making.

WINE AND ART: Our suggested artistic wine tour

The scenic splendor of the Cape Winelands serves as the artistic backdrop to a whole number of beautifully manicured and exclusive wine estates that are literally becoming art galleries in their own right. From dozens of designer wine estates we recommend sampling award winnings wines, whilst strolling through sculpture gardens at Tokara or Leeu Estates, marvel at the paintings and design at Delaire Graff, the gallery collections and designer restaurant at Cavalli or the art gallery and spectacular interior design at the owner’s cottage at Grand Provence.

If you are looking to book your Cape Town art tour, get in touch here.