South African National Gallery image

South African National Gallery

Tourist attraction Art museum

South Africa's top international art collection, with South African, African & European works. People often mention visit, South, great, African, gallery, artists, collection, exhibition, museum, Town,


Address

Government Ave, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Website

www.iziko.org.za

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (832 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: visit (20) South (18) great (17) African (15) gallery (15) artists (14) collection (13) exhibition (13) museum (11) Town (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Melanie s. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely visit and the entrance ticket is quite cheap. It’s not as extensive as I thought it would be (I finished in about 45m) but it was a nice museum.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sean e. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth a visit. Excellent collection with many Greats from Matisse to Pierneef. Go for a beautiful walk in the Gardens afterwards
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Debbie V. 2 years ago on Google
    I was disappointed. It is cheap to get in, but the content is very sparse and the main installation was almost disturbing and juvenile, like some kids had been left to their own devices with craft equipment.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Georges Y. 1 year ago on Google • 1323 reviews
    The striking location of the South African National Gallery is the first thing that visitors notice. Set against the hills behind it in one of the most attractive parts of the center of Cape Town, the approach is impressive. Once I was inside, I was equally as impressed by the quality and variety of the art on display. The collection is a great introduction to visual arts in South Africa.

  • 5/5 Milo 3 months ago on Google • 242 reviews New
    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 💜
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mogamat Shirage D. 1 year ago on Google
    A great gallery to see classic as well as modern art. For tourists as well as students and art learners
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Joanne B. 2 years ago on Google
    Wide range of artistic styles including paintings, sculpture from various materials, graffiti art, carvings.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda G. 2 years ago on Google
    Wholeheartedly recommend visiting this museum. The exhibition is unusual and thrilling, and you get to enjoy it on your own as the museum doesn‘t seem to attract huge crowds. Worth it! The proximity to The Company‘s Garden further adds to the attractiveness.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marianna L. 8 months ago on Google
    Very interesting art gallery! Collections of South African, African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art. It takes you around 1,5 h to enjoy whole exhibition.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Naomi L. 11 months ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning, what a wonderful way to spend the day. A must see!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 peter h. 1 month ago on Google • 137 reviews New
    Although under some reorganisation of display, i.e., some rooms closed, we had a great time. The exhibitions were wide-ranging, and the second art room made up purely local artists was brilliant. I've been to many great galleries across the globe, but room2 is up there with the best. Well Done. Loved it. ❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bianca Smit P. 2 years ago on Google
    Lots to see & experience. Truly a fun day out!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda D. 5 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite places in Cape Town. Located in the heart of the city, it is one of the great historical buildings set around the Company's Garden. The art on display is a mixture of permanent pieces/collections and visiting exhibitions or installations. I never get bored, and enjoy revisiting to compare my previous impressions or discover something new. My favourite piece is a sculpture called The Butcher Boys by Jane Alexander.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John-Patrick van R. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent. The exhibition they had concerning violence against women in South Africa was superb.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gloria R. 4 years ago on Google
    Very educational and beautiful place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim N. 4 years ago on Google
    A great visit. Small but perfectly formed, hugely interesting collection of art to suit pretty much all tastes. Well worth a visit, and admission price too low in my opinion at R30
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 rena g. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice building located in the company's garden. Provides an interesting collection of art. Permanent exhibition of many African artists. Also very powerful guest exhibitions. Sure worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff L. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth the visit, with a mix of classical and contemporary artworks, both local and international. To be found through the lovely Company Gardens.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josefin J. 1 year ago on Google
    Just re-opened after the covid closures. Get a ticket at the door. No lines, smooth entry. New exhibition definitely worth a visit to experience art from South African artists, photographers and controversial painters from the colonial times. International artists like Miro also in the gallery exhibition showing at the writing moment. Foreign tourists, have in mind the exhibitions in South Africa have been curated/copywritten for inclusivity of an audience. I’ve found so far that a part of the culture is a deliberate writing style that feels more inclusive and relaxed than in European art galleries, where the writing style for art work is more dry and catering to the priviledged.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Bradley van D. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place with tons of historical items
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Beverley W. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely Spectacular art work. If in the city do visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 IBRAHIM NICK N. 4 years ago on Google
    You see culuture and history os South Africa
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Conrad M. 4 years ago on Google
    The National Gallery is a treasure and well worth spending a couple of hours at for your bi-annual dose of art, history and culture. Which makes it sound like a chore, but it isn't. Go now, and pay the R30 entry. It's the best bang for buck activity in Cape Town by far.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Filicia K. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful art
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zelda van G. 4 years ago on Google
    Great for an outing. Especially for 12 - 15 year olds. Exhibitions change frequently
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Omar H. 3 years ago on Google
    The Iziko South African National Gallery is the national art gallery of South Africa located in Cape Town. It became part of the Iziko collection of museums – as managed by the Department of Arts and Culture – in 2001.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Decolonial F. 4 years ago on Google
    Has some of the best exhibitions in the country
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 English B. 3 years ago on Google
    I found the one good thing about Covid19. I had the whole place to myself! There's something magical about viewing art with so much extra space and silence. Make time to go before the world goes back to normal.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Billy M. 4 years ago on Google
    It's Avery nice place full of goodies,I really enjoyed my visit, The service was woow
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David Daniel M. 4 years ago on Google
    Highly recommended and informative for every art lover to visit. Beautiful displays! Calming atmosphere and relaxing experience. Quite an extensive collection that display a richness in cultural diversity. Must see when visiting the Mother City, Capetown.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Graham M. 4 years ago on Google
    The current exhibition is an interesting take on "abstraction". An vibrant display of local, African and international art, both static and video with a surprise display of some of the Zanzibar art of Irma Stern. All in all well worth a visit. Please note they are preparing new exhibits and refurbishing the Atrium.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 N. C. 6 months ago on Google • 146 reviews
    Clean and well displayed art gallery Entry fee is 60 ZAR which is very reasonable price. You can spend 1 hour enjoying the art on rainy day.

  • 5/5 Erefaan R. 7 months ago on Google • 93 reviews
    A whole new experience at Iziko museum.. Nozomi organisation was invited to attend an open day for the kids at the museum. What an experience for them. Thank you Iziko..

  • 5/5 Роман �. 10 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Good gallery. Interesting. But not very big. You can see it all in 1 hour maximum without hurry. A lot of different paintings from all world and some interesting sculptures. We are glad to visit it. And tickets very cheap. I recommend to visit if you like art👍

  • 5/5 Chepape M. 1 month ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    An incredible institution, a go to gallery for the national treasure throve. A centre for excellence when in comes to contemporary African art in Southern Africa.

  • 5/5 Felix K. 6 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    The gallery is extremely interesting. There is lots of beautiful art from diverse artists and times. I also liked the arrangement in the different rooms with explanatory signs (see attached photo). Unfortunately, the gallery is on the smaller side and I spent less than two hours there.

  • 5/5 Ian L. 1 year ago on Google • 33 reviews
    What a amazing collection of visual art pieces... The impact of seeing Alexander's The Butcher Boys up close & personal is surreal to say the least. Good representation of Mary Sibande`s work in The Reign. Just wish there were more 3 D works on display.

  • 5/5 Jack De K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great date option or go-to family excursion. They have a 'students get in for free' special on Fridays, and otherwise it is R15 with a student card. Worth the trip

  • 3/5 Joseph H. 3 months ago on Google New
    The art is not given the space it deserves. The place is large but all the art is squished into the first two rooms. I did not respect the fact that the installations in the outdoor area have been left to rust and erode. The art is beautiful. It's worth going, because there are some pieces I'll never forget. Just so disappointed in the management.

  • 5/5 Stephen J. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place...

  • 5/5 Angelique Rabie - C. 3 years ago on Google
    Powerful exhibition, beautiful work

  • 5/5 Dorothy S. 2 years ago on Google
    It was great! Enjoyed the art and learned about new artists.

  • 5/5 Michael M. 2 years ago on Google
    Thay usually have one or two super interesting exhibitions on the go. While the permanent exhibition has several important works of art both South African and international.

  • 5/5 Carmen B. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it. Really did, how inspirational and passionate are these people of the work they do. I was never a art lover but will definitely look at art with renewed respect.

  • 5/5 Samsung s. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Fossils from ancient times are worthy of appreciation! (Original) 遠古時期化石很值得欣賞!

  • 4/5 martin de g. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice museum in a beautiful building. Selection of art from different styles and eras. Entree was 30 rand, I spent about an hour inside admiring the work.

  • 5/5 Sibusiso “Sibs Malunga” M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great exhibit. Truly insightful. Definitely recommend

  • 4/5 Jenny L. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a memorable, slow browse through the gallery. So good to see some of South Africa's finest artists.

  • 5/5 FIKOVA 1 year ago on Google
    Really enjoyed this place, I didn't know that there were such pristine art galleries in cpt

  • 4/5 Michaela L. 2 years ago on Google
    There's art from all over the world, some really old and modern art. A great cultural experience.

  • 4/5 CORAL 2 years ago on Google
    Interesting shows on at present with Dreams as R-evolution site specific installation dealing with dreaming as an act of transformation; space, power and authority; ...a video piece called disquieting domesticities vestiges of violence; and a body of work dealing with the Territories Between Us exhibition. Attached here are selected images from the Dreams as R-evolution installation.

  • 2/5 nina G. 2 years ago on Google
    Good art work on show. Worth a quick visit. Not much to see besides very modern art exhibitions mostly taking up a whole room and therefore a lot of floor space are being wasted that could have been used to exhibit more artworks. Guided tours should be considered as this ads to the experience when people understand and know what they are looking at. Staff knowledge arenvery limited and unfriendly so no point in asking them about a certain piece.

  • 5/5 Marcel B. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely loved it! Must visit for any contemporary art lover.

  • 5/5 Justine 9 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Pleasantly surprised. There is a varied selection of works of art. Well presented. Security and staff were friendly. Set aside 2 hours to view all the works. Entry is very affordable for South African citizens.

  • 3/5 Dave R. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place, although wretched art pieces. How come a National Gallery exihibits a local school final assignment.

  • 5/5 Sydney N. 1 year ago on Google
    Leaving a 5 star review, but sadly wasn’t able to visit because it is temporarily closed until Sep 24, 2022!

  • 1/5 Jeandre S. 1 year ago on Google
    So wanted to go in just now.. Only to be told all cash R30 per person.. no cards accepted. When we turned around cause i we had no cash.. a family of color entered to pay R15 per person and R7 per child.. blatant rasism. Will never return.

  • 4/5 Andries V. 3 years ago on Google
    This gallery is a must see at least four times a year. Essential for those who want to gain insight in the contemporary art scene in South Africa.

  • 5/5 任奭 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A systematic introduction to local painters, authors, drawings, sculptures, paintings, and material combinations. Free admission on national holidays. (Original) 有系統介紹本地畫家,作者,素描,雕塑,繪畫,材料組合。國定假日免費入場。

  • 5/5 Jen 任奭 A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) If you bring your ID on a national holiday, you can get free admission. Admission is free on Museum Days during the year. There are clean toilets in the museum. (Original) 找国定假日带身份证明去,可免门票,一年当中的博物馆日也是免费入场,馆内有干净洗手间。

  • 4/5 Carla S. 3 years ago on Google
    Some great art works on display including The Butcher Boys. My only complaint would be the music from the multi media is too loud and repetitive and distracts from the enjoyment of looking at the traditional art.

  • 5/5 Jerome G. 3 years ago on Google
    Still open to public. More than you bargain for... 30 Rand entrance. Butcher Boys inside if you don't know you won't know..

  • 5/5 simangele m. 3 years ago on Google
    Great gallery with a rich history and knowledge.

  • 5/5 Jane H. 5 years ago on Google
    Such a lovely place to spend your free time. Its so affordable and a great cultural experience. Student pay less on friday.

  • 4/5 Simbarashe D. 3 years ago on Google
    The front of the building had a great view of the surrounding park.

  • 4/5 Dennis N. 3 years ago on Google
    We enjoyed the National Gallery with our family and appreciated the diversity of the exhibits.

  • 5/5 Josh R. 3 years ago on Google
    Great experience, some awesome pieces of art. Definitely worth the trip.

  • 1/5 Carl W. 3 years ago on Google
    The exhibition hasn't changed in over a year. I'm not sure if that's how it's meant to be, but if that's the case, why would anyone go back.

  • 5/5 Findus F. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful modern art collection

  • 5/5 Lauretta A. 4 years ago on Google
    My place of me time

  • 5/5 Melissa B. 4 years ago on Google
    Informative and creativeness.

  • 5/5 Grievance M. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place

  • 4/5 Dylan s. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place, place is well maintained.

  • 5/5 Éric P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Small in size but surprisingly rich in diversity and modernity. A must (Original) Petit par la taille mais étonnamment riche de diversité et de modernité. Un must

  • 4/5 Dennis W. 4 years ago on Google
    Some good and some not so good. Some exhibits I am not sure are real art.

  • 5/5 Jamie-Lee P. 5 years ago on Google
    Such a wide range of pieces ensures that's there is something for everyone. This is by far my favourite art gallery in Cape Town

  • 4/5 Amir B. 4 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite spots in Cale Town. It’s always a great source of inspiration, when I’m creatively down.

  • 5/5 Amy De J. 5 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing, a must see when visiting Cape Town. Fair entrance fee for the value of Artwork you see. If you are an art finatic you can see the wonderful works that that South African artists have to offer.

  • 5/5 Pamela C. 4 years ago on Google
    They have such a vast collection,so its important to pop in on a regular basis to see the rotation of the art. Grrat to see more and more South African artists featured.

  • 5/5 Denis D. 4 years ago on Google
    Modern art at its best

  • 3/5 Gilles B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A museum where there are still interesting things to see. Not a big museum, but at 30 rand ($ 3 Canadian), it's still a visit to do. (Original) Un musée où il y a tout de même des choses intéressantes à voir. Pas un grand musée, mais à 30 rands (3$ canadiens), ça demeure une visite á faire.

  • 5/5 Joseph M. 4 years ago on Google
    The best

  • 5/5 Frederick R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) IN art history (Original) SA art history

  • 5/5 Sarah K. 5 years ago on Google
    The South African national gallery is set at one side of the Company Gardens in central Cape Town. The exhibits are totally different to what one would expect to find anywhere else in the world. It's a small gallery and devoted to mainly afrocentric and struggle art, but it's fascinating. Set around a small central courtyard one goes from room to room following centuries of African art of all kinds from beadwork to textiles, oh and sculpture. Well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Maru A. 4 years ago on Google
    The range of art in this collection is fantastic. I was very moved by the immersive exhibit by Gabrielle Goliath. The drawings in the collection by some of South Africa's greatest artists are a pleasure to see. It is very well curated. Really enjoyed the Materiality exhibition too and was exposed to some new and exciting artists.

  • 4/5 Nikki K. 4 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous exhibits, and such a great central location

  • 5/5 Hilton M. 4 years ago on Google
    Brilliant

  • 5/5 Kjeĺl S. 4 years ago on Google
    Fanrastic, Inspiring & Perfect Mix of Modern & Classical Art! In beautiful building wuth Parklocation.Loved it!!

  • 5/5 Maria du P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting

  • 5/5 Bev G. 4 years ago on Google
    Great space.

  • 3/5 Sybrand E. S. 2 years ago on Google
    We got there 30 mins before closing time at 3 on a Saturday. The staff seemed overworked and 'want to go home'. They conveyed a zero tolerance policy, if we are inside at 3 they closing the doors. We still took the challenge. Once inside, sections were under renovations which apparently housed the most 'wow' works of art/sculptures. So unfortunately could only mostly see paintings. I think short descriptions would be helpful on what is being depicted, what the artist envisioned, etc. But due to the lack of these, it seemed like a random collection of art at times. Colour explosions are still the most gripping to me personally. There were some art that 'spoke' for itself. The studio dedicated to stop abuse/gender-based violence was really gripping. But then it becomes overwhelming and very depressing as though there is no hope being communicated. SO, a section like this need to have flow into sunshine, because God is Good. All in all, it only cost like R30 or some, and an hour is sufficient to see something that might inspire you.

  • 5/5 Paolo D. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very interesting indeed (Original) Davvero molto interessante

  • 5/5 K. A. M. 4 years ago on Google
    They had a beautiful local artist collection of painting but exhibitions are great!

  • 4/5 Paddy F. 4 years ago on Google
    Very cool place. Let me run in at the last moment to see the exhibit I desperately wanted to see! World class.

  • 5/5 Sekayi F. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely loved their February MateREALity exhibition. A great space to discover South African artists of note.

  • 5/5 Stefan H. 4 years ago on Google
    For me it was great. I got really touchy and the feelings did not Stop. There has been a work from Gabrielle Goliath and it overwhelmed me so strong, that I have to go there a second time, afterwards I was unable to focus on something else.

  • 5/5 obi i. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 Alexander O. 4 years ago on Google
    If you love art, you will definitely love this place, hundreds of pieces of contemporary art. Video and audio presentations also available. I particularly love the materiality section... Beautiful pieces made from everyday materials. Figurines with deep meaning. I will definitely visit Cape Town again, and I will definitely visit this place more than one more time.

  • 5/5 David G. 3 years ago on Google
    Superb. Some amazing art well-preserved in a beautiful building.

  • 5/5 Harr F. 3 years ago on Google
    Super friendly and informative staff, great exhibits, loved the megalodon jaws.


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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