Get your culture kicks at the breathtaking Zeitz MOCAA

Still in its first year of existence since opening in September 2017, the Museum of Contemporary African Art (Zeitz MOCAA) is quickly becoming an integral part of the Cape Town experience. The building itself, with it’s compelling story, inspires a visit as much as the art inside. So if you haven’t visited it yet, let’s make it happen—book cheap flights to Cape Town now!

Zeitz MOCAA

Zeitz MOCAA museum

Image credit @zeitzmocaa via Instagram

You enter the museum through the tower. Immediately the atrium explodes around you into light and space.
As you walk through this breathtaking space, you will see how the old concrete grain silos have been sliced up to create the egg shaped space of the atrium. Run your fingers over the different textures and layers of old and new concrete and you really get a feeling for the story of an historical building remastered.

Zeitz MOCAA inside art

Spend at least an hour exploring this multi-level museum. As you make your way up through the light and shadow of the cut silos, you will catch glimpses of Table Mountain and the surrounding docks through the glass windows. Once at the top, take in amazing views of Cape Town from what was once the tallest building in Southern Africa for half a century.

The Art

Image credit @zeitzmocaa via Instagram

The museum houses the personal collection of Jochen Zeitz, which is considered the world’s leading collection of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. In addition to stunning painting and photography, you can see film, sculpture, even dance and music. The Zeitz MOCAA is a splash of sound and colour that echoes and bounces through the half-lit silos. Be careful not to bump your head on the bricks hanging from the ceiling!

The Silo District

Zeitz MOCAA silo district

The Zeitz MOCAA is situated in the newly developed Silo District of the Cape Town Waterfront. Here you will find an intriguing selection of restaurants and bars, nestled into the beautifully designed public spaces and walkways. Browse the designer stores showcasing jewellery, leather and fashion from local designers. A short 5-minute walk will get you into the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront mall where your consumer cup overfloweth.

Where to eat

Zeitz MOCAA eat food

Image courtesy of @zeitzmocaafood via Instagram

The restaurants around the Zeitz MOCAA offer an eclectic range of culinary options from bad and boujee to actually bourgeoise. Try the Woolies NOW NOW for quick, healthy and delicious bowls. The aptly named YARD offers a beautiful buffet, deli and fine dining option. The Silo hotel itself has a few eating options: The Granary Cafe, Willaston Bar and Silo Rooftop all offer more insight into this intriguing building.

Zeitz MOCAA museum waterfront

When to go

Admission is FREE for African citizens on Wednesdays from 10 am to 1 pm. Bring your ID/Driver’s Licence/Passport. Pay half-price (R90) every first Friday of the month, 4 pm to 9 pm. Otherwise, daily admission is R180, open from 10 am to 6 pm. The Zeitz MOCAA is closed on Tuesdays, just like the Louvre in Paris.

Have you visited this phenomenal museum yet? What was your favourite exhibition—let us know in the comments section below!

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*Disclaimer!

All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.

Our Readers Comments

  1. My highlight was definately the William Kentridge movie!!
    Beautiful museum with beautiful art!!

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