The Zeitz MOCAA is a not-for-profit contemporary art museum. It exhibits the biggest collection of contemporary African art and is the only museum of its kind on the continent. The main aim of the museum is to collect and preserve twenty-first century art from African artists and its Diaspora.
International exhibitions are hosted as well. The museum supports and develops educational and enrichment programmes to encourage better intercultural understanding. This formidable building, once an old grain silo, holds more than hundred little galleries in its nine floors. There a both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Besides the fantastic art on display, the building also includes centres for Curatorial Excellence, Photography, the Moving Image, Performative Practice, the Costume Institute, and Art Education.
The museum is named after Jochen Zeitz, a German businessman and African art enthusiast. He is the main funder of the world-class art museum and gallery.
Marvellous Architecture
In total about 6 500 square metres of gallery space has been created. The silo dates back to the 1920’s. It was once the tallest building of Sub-Saharan Africa. The famous British architect Thomas Heatherwick is responsible for the innovative revamping of the formidable structure. The “Pied Piper of Architecture” as Vanity Fair has named him was also commissioned to design the new headquarters of Google.
The once-solid concrete tubes now boast with mesmerizing jewel-like geometric windows. This might be the most impressive feature of the building – the cylindrical tubes were sawed open to include the expansive windows. Once inside, you can either admire this architectural feat from the winding steel staircase, which was assembled piece by piece from the silo’s top. Or you travel up in the stylish glass lift.
As you enter the museum it opens up to a breath-taking atrium. The cathedral-like look was created by local contractors who carved the shapes into the concrete tubes with diamond ropes. Suspended from the ceiling, a feisty dragon greets you. The crucifix-shaped, Afro-infused dragon was created by Nicholas Hlobo. From top to bottom, this museum will mesmerize you. The basement is a maze of tunnels. When the silo was operational, it was filled with conveyor belts to move the grain from one area to the next.
The Who’s Who of Zeitz MOCAA
Jochen Zeitz’s collection include the most respected African artists. To name drop but a few: Cyrus Kabiru, Jody Paulsen, Kendell Geers, Hank Willis Thomas, and of course William Kentridge. Cape Town’s beloved Thania Petersen is part of a group of 41 artists whose work is displayed in the All Things Being Equal collection. Nandipha Mntambo’s unmissable solo exhibition spans five rooms. And Kudzanai Chiurai’s fascinating mixed-media work spans around the floor. Per occasion performance art pieces are hosted.
Expose Your Children to The Art World
Children under 18 can enter the museum for free. Before you dread the idea of dragging your kids around an art museum, there is a special art education centre for school-aged children, located in the basement. You can drop them off before embarking on your own art adventure.
An Immersive Art Experience
If you want educate yourself more about the rich world of African art, you can take an audio tour of the museum. You can also book a special guided tour of the architecture. Once you’ve filled your eyes and mind with inspiration to last you a lifetime, stop at the restaurant on the top floor. It leads onto the Rooftop Garden. The restaurant can accommodate 200 guests and can be booked out for events. The opening times are Wednesdays to Mondays from 10:00 to 17:00.
Opening Hours
Wednesday to Monday (including public holidays)
10:oo – 18:00 Last entry: 17:30
Closed Tuesdays
First Friday of the month
Extended opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00. Last entry: 20:30
Museum Night
Extended opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00. Last entry at 21:30
Click here for upcoming exhibitions and events
Tickets
Daily admission: R 190 per adult
Annual Membership: R 270 per year
Over 60’s Annual Membership: R 195 per year
Under 18’s: Free entry, all year, at all times
Must present ID.
First Friday of the month: Half price (R 95) from 16:00 – 21:00. Last entry at 20:30
Free entry for African citizens: Every Wednesday 10:00 – 13:00
Must present ID.
Free entry: (10:00 – 18:00. Last entry 17:30)
Freedom Day, 27 April
International Museum Day, 18 May
Africa Day, 25 May
Heritage Day, 24 September
Museum Night: Twice a year. Extended opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00. Last entry at 21:30