10 Art Galleries to Visit in South Africa

South Africa is splitting at the seams with inspiring voices in the arts sector, art galleries can be found all over the country from bustling epicenters of creativity in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban to smaller towns also doing their thing when it comes to producing great artists and spaces for art and creativity.  South African culture is as diverse as it gets and its art is a clear reflection of this diversity. Here are 10 galleries to visit on your next road trip through South Africa.

Johannesburg and Cape Town, Stevenson Gallery

This iconic gallery has two spaces in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. The Johannesburg contingent is situated in the popular Juta Street which is apart of the every expanding and evolving Braamfontein area, which over the past few years has blossomed into one of the cities trendiest playgrounds. The gallery is accredited for hosting exhibitions from both local and international established and up and coming artists. Visit their website for more information.

The Stevenson Gallery image taken from www.joburg.co.za.

Durban, KZNSA

KZNSA is situated in the lush suburban area of Glenwood and has its roots in the early 1900’s of South Africa. Today it’s a leading establishment for the art community of Durban, with regular exhibitions, book launches and events. The space also has a popular coffee shop and restaurant where one can bask in the balmy Durban weather after they have purchased some art or gifts at their craft shop. Visit their website for more information.

The beautiful KZNSA photo taken from showme.co.za.

Cape Town, Worldart gallery

This CBD based gallery prides itself in exhibiting art which caters for the discerning art fan. Worldart gallery also has an international clientele and hosts other exhibitions at other galleries and suitable spaces around South Africa.  They also service the corporate sector with assisting them to acquiring art for corporate and private collections. Visit their website for more.

The Worldart gallery image taken from Worldart-first-thursdays.co.za.

When visiting Cape Town

Car hire Cape Town is your best bet when landing in the mother city, while most of the inner city can accessed via the MyCiti bus system, when going out to the wine farms and west coast and Hermanus (the whales) is inaccessible without your own transport.

Knysna, Knysna Fine Art

It’s not just the artwork in the interior of Knysna Fine Art gallery but the building itself is a work of art. The location is of historical importance to the town of Knysna and the gallery has built up a strong following of both local and international art connoisseurs. With owners Trent Read’s illustrious 40 year career in the arts industry it’s no wonder it’s a popular stop on the picturesque garden route.  Visit their website for more information.

The Knysna Fine Art building image is taken from knysnaFineArt-sncdn.com.

Port Elizabeth, Underculture contemporary Fine Arts Gallery

This gallery prides itself on being a voice to the urban art enthusiast and is dedicated to the promotion and establishment of emerging talents in the art world for the Nelson Mandela Bay metro and Eastern Cape. The gallery is dedicated to quality and professionalism in all aspects of its exhibitions. The gallery is also an events venue and caters for product launches and non-profit benefits. Visit their website for more information.

The Underculture contemporary Fine Arts Gallery image taken from whatson.dns.co.za.

Pietermaritzburg, Tatham Art Gallery

This is one of the prime art galleries in South Africa and its origins date back to 1903 when the people of Pietermaritzburg wished for a public art space and proceeded to send paintings to the city of council of the town.  In the year 1990 the gallery moved from the premises of the city hall to where it can be found today. The gallery is famous for hosting various exhibitions celebrating diversity of the medium and subject matter. Visit their website for more.

The famous Tatham Art Gallery image taken from www.sa-venues.com.

Fried Contemporary, Pretoria

If you venture into Brooklyn, Pretoria you might just stumble into the Fried Contemporary art gallery which since 2014 has provided the city of Pretoria with a vast selection of art from all over South Africa. They also function as an advisory service to companies wishing to buy and accumulate art. This is achieved because they have over 15 years’ experience in the arts industry and since their inception have worked hard at building contacts within the art scene. For more info visit their website.

The Fried Contemporary Art Gallery photo taken from httpsouthafrica.bnbbreaks.com.

Pink Haus Living Gallery, Mossel Bay

After many years promoting other artists within the textile industry Vivienne Holtzhausen decided to open her own gallery in her home and named it the Pink Haus Living Gallery. It’s said that the gallery is also in beautiful surroundings and although it’s largely dedicated to promoting art from South Africa, on occasion it opens its doors to international artists as well. Visit this website for more information.
The beautiful Pink Haus Living Gallery image taken from httpwww.mosselbayart.co.za.

Clarens, Essensual  Art Gallery

This gallery is dedicated to nude and figure drawings in various mediums such as oil, body scapes, charcoal sketches, clay sculptures and acrylic. Clarens is widely regarded as a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Visit their website for more information.

The Clarens, Essensual Art Gallery image taken from httpwww.sa-venues.com.

Durban, Arts Space

There always seems to be fresh, new and exciting work getting exhibited at Durban’s artspace, situated a stone’s throw away from the newly developed Station Road Precinct. It’s also open to venue hire for events and other creatives rent office space from the same premises. Pop in there Monday to Saturday to see an exhibition. Visit their website for more information.

The Durban’s artspace building image taken from artspace-durban-1-cdn.theculturetrip.com.

Travelling through South Africa

Public transport in South Africa is quite sparse, and most attractions are generally far from each other, therefore we recommend car rental or a larger mini bus (for groups) when visiting. Your Uber bill might be a shock otherwise.