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

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.

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.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

My previous 5 star rating is now unfortunately a 2 star rating. The staff were sitting on cellphones listening to videos and loudly on calls, the light bulb at the entrance to the Abe Bailey room did not work. The installation at the entrance suffered from terrible curation. The most meaningful pieces forming part of the national gallerys collection, that I enjoy revisiting year after year, have been cramped in a tiny room, and curated to be directed at school children only. The building appears to be falling apart and the grounds do not appear maintained. Was it a bad day? Is this fallout from state capture? Is there someone to blame? How can our national gallery start recapturing the imaginations of the South African public? How can we help? What is going on?

Always a pleasure visiting the National Gallery. Comprised of both permanent and temporary exhibitions which keeps you wanting to come back to see what has changed. I usually go every month or 2 in order for the temporary exhibitions to be changed. Entry is about R30 for adults and students (provided they have their student card with them upon entry) pay half-price! Entry is free on certain public holidays, so it’s best to check their website. Houses both international and local art, old and new as well as pieces from the Michaelis Art School which is the UCT art school located 3 mins away.

Wow, I could’ve spent an additional 2-3 hours here if I didn’t have a timeline. The museum is curated very well and I enjoyed the small notebooks that they have around the museum asking people to share their thoughts. I think the notebooks are a creative way to get feedback while also allowing people to see what others are writing and observing from the art they are seeing. I particularly appreciated the trans sex worker exhibit that is currently on display. To see art, activism and awareness blend together so effortlessly was great to see; I learned so much.

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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.

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.

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.

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The most boring collection of "art" that I've ever seen. Pictures of dogs and people skateboarding. I can literally see all of that on Instagram. I really thought I'd see old and life changing art but it's nothing special. If this is our national gallery then we have no hope. I didn't feel any emotion and most of the art is not even 20 years old. Very disappointed. I definitely won't be coming here again.

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.

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.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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.

All i can is it was amazing not to boring but was truly interesting learning about history and the untouched cultures in it's prime especially the art pieces presented looking at art intrigues the mind if not amazing but spectacular i must say
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A place where you can see different types of arts, crafts. Paintings, wood works, historical crafts and many more. A must visit place. The staffs are helpful and photography allowed. Usually not very crowded and you can enjoy the exhibits peacefully. It is very close to the museum and entry free if you have ticket for the museum.

I've been to this gallery several times. It exhibits lots of interesting art work. If you intend to go more than once I suggest you space out your visit or check out the gallery's website to check for new exhibitions since most of the pieces stay there permanently. It doesn't change up that often. Still its a wonderful gallery.

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
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Really well curated galleries. I particularly loved the very rare cattle horns in the display case, with minute images scratched into the ivory by an unknown artist, depicting the Zulu vs British battles in the 19th century. Fascinating!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It was a great experience as I got to see a variety of artworks. Some were installations and some were traditional. It's a great space to learn and I got a student discount because I had my student card with me. Some of the artwork was exhibited outside when we to the gallery as a college and its situated in the gardens.

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.

Really disappointed that the opening hours have changed (close at 3.30 not 5 any more). Signage outside is incorrect on this. The entrance from the company gardens into the avenue is still blocked off with SA Police tape from the funeral of Archbishop Desmond Tutu about a month ago. Time to put it away and open up?

We saw a great exhibition of new African artists. If you only have time for one museum in Cape Town and want to see some interesting and provocative art, that's the place to go. Don't miss it. Plus the Company Gardens are quite nice on a hot day, so you can stay sometime there chilling. Great for people watching.

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The permanent exhibition is beautifull, and the contemporary art is carefully chosen and stunningly exhibited! Located on the edge of the beautiful Company's Garden in Cape Town, it's well worth a visit! Well done to the curator and exhibitor - the gallery has been a delight in 2018!

A fresh new set of exhibitions after the 'Our Lady' debacle. Some nice improvements include photographs of the artists on the plaques or tags of the paintings. The soundtrack of 'The African Choir 1891 re-imagined' is superb! 'The Hidden Treasures' is also quite fantastic.

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.

Not very big collection but what they had was very nice! I would have liked to have some more information though. There was not a lot of info. And there is no museum shop or anything.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Amazing experience. Just a pitty that they put allot of the smaller works so high that you could look at them properly. Unfortunately allot of that painting directories are incorrect
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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.

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.

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.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This was a nice way to spend an hour or so, my wife and I attended on our last day in Cape Town as the gallery was quite close to where we were staying. There were some thought provoking pieces and of course the focus on African art is always welcome.

This museum had an exposition on women's work / art when we visited. The rooms are spacious and clean, the artwork is well displayed, and relevant descriptions told the viewer something about each work of art. Entrance fee was extremely reasonable.

This place hosts great artists' works. It rotates every other month and is worth the walk through the gardens. Staff friendly. If you happen to be in town on a very hot day, just walk in (pay) and enjoy art while the aircon fans your flaming body.

The exhibits available offered beautiful art. Interesting spoken word and story telling from the current (June 2018) main exhibit. The building looks like it would be bigger and offer more exhibits than it really does. Not bad for a quick visit.

Few amazing and unique artwork inside and not very expensive ... Just wish they had more variety from different artists as they used 2/3 areas for one. Very centrally located so you can go to the iziko museum and the company gardens afterwards.

"The butcher boys" is an art piece you have to see at least once in your lifetime... i thoroughly enjoyed the incredible and moving collection of pieces...
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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.

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.

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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..
Visited on
Weekend
Reservation recommended
No

An interesting and very varied exhibition of artworks, some notable historical ones alongside modern paintings and sculptures. Only SAr60 entry.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A superb collection with great curation. Can't believe it wasn't busier with visitors. See if you can spot the first draft of the Nando's logo.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I've seen some great pieces of art. 25mins is how long it roughly took me to walk around the whole gallery and contemplate the 'chef d'oeuvre'
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I was surprised after so many years to see that nothing had changed. Not a bad thing, and great collections of art, but some modern ideas in terms of brightening up the architecture could be used. I wish they had a coffee shop.

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.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice place to visit with kids. Even without kids it's a nice interesting place. It has scales from bees to dinosaurs to human history. The entrance fees are usually lower during school holidays for a family with scholar kids.

Spent 2 hours wandering from one piece of great art to the next. There are some very relevant and important works on display.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

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.

There is a lot of contemporary art and not so much of anything else. However the Art Gallary examines art in different ways and lights, which makes it very interesting from the conventional way of looking at art.

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.

It was very small, and there were not so many pieces of art. The entry was cheap but you only need 10-15 minutes to visit
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Artwork is varied and in abundance. The outside of building itself and surrounding park area needs serious attention.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I recommend the "Women's Work" showrooms. It was a very pleasant visit to a bright, beautiful building. They certainly have a better curator than most of the museums I have visited in Cape Town.

Well, the collection is sort of naive, slightly scarce -if assessed against Tate Modern and alike. But, all references aside, we found it immensely creepy and were quite happy to leave the place

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.

So disappointed. In Cape Town one day and this was the one place I really wanted to see. Planned our day around it opening at 9am, only for it to not open. Waited 45min before giving up. …

Ultra modern art is fine. Social commentary excellent especially by the best satirists in SA history. Just miss some of the old masters specially those giving a glimpse of historic Cape Town.

Great exhibition of the past 150 years. A good opportunity to see works not previously displayed.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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

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.

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.

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.

I thought the galleries they put together were very interesting. I enjoyed walking through while visiting the gardens.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Beautiful and scary art, but worth to pay a visit when you have nothing to do.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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

Overall I found the museum disappointing. It’s well worth a visit to see the works by Jane Alexander and Penny Siopis. The exhibits could use further finessing

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.

Absolutely stunning, what a wonderful way to spend the day. A must see!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Some great mix of artistic styles from multiple centuries and communities all mixed in one place
Visited on
Weekday
Reservation recommended
No

Basically a big house filled with all types of visual and performance art . A great variety of exhibits , with at least something for everyone's tastes .

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.

Beautiful displays have attended a Tretchikoff exhibition and exhibitions on First Thursdays.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's an interesting place but I feel there is too much modern local art for my taste. It's well kept and cheap so worth visiting if you are in the area.

Well worth the visit, with a mix of classical and contemporary artworks, both local and international. To be found through the lovely Company Gardens.

It have funtional lockers great for those who love art amazing pieces all throughtout very clean and quite,good lighting for an undisturbed experience

I have never seen so many black artists in one space. Big ups
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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.

One item checked off my bucket list and we’ll worth the trip
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Its ok, the Zeits has much more variety and more to see.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I love Art and the Uziko National Gallery got everything an art lover loves. From Picasso to Van Gogh and all the renaissance Art and artists

Not to big and a good mixture of art. Directly at the Company Garden and on Saturday they have kind of a food market in the park in front.

Such a gift to be able to experience a variety of great artists in a beautiful setting. Will keep going back as long as I possibly can.

Well worth a visit. Excellent collection with many Greats from Matisse to Pierneef. Go for a beautiful walk in the Gardens afterwards

Must visit for those interested in art.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

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

Great place to spend the day! There is a wide selection of abstract and oil paintings on display. Staff are really friendly too!

Such a lovely place to spend your free time. Its so affordable and a great cultural experience. Student pay less on friday.

Great gallery with interesting collection of artworks organised in themes, both domestic and international art to enjoy.

Great learning experience I had coming here. This Gallery has everything you need to know about almost everything. More

Beautiful place, although wretched art pieces. How come a National Gallery exihibits a local school final assignment.

It was a great experience
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Absolutely worth a visit . The current exhibition is excellent if you take your time and use your mind …

Amazing art, loved it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Wide range of artistic styles including paintings, sculpture from various materials, graffiti art, carvings.

Leaving a 5 star review, but sadly wasn’t able to visit because it is temporarily closed until Sep 24, 2022!

One of my favourite spots in Cale Town. It’s always a great source of inspiration, when I’m creatively down.