South African National Gallery

South African National Gallery
South African National Gallery which includes interior views
South African National Gallery showing interior views
South African National Gallery which includes interior views
South African National Gallery showing interior views


South African, African and Western European art are the big stars of this cultural attraction. Study hundreds of years of work by prominent artists.

Browse the rich collection of African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish artistic treasures inside the South African National Gallery. This cultural attraction is a showcase of the creative outpourings of some of the biggest and most talented artists in the world.

The gallery hosts revolving displays of exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, textiles and other works of art from its permanent collection. Also, check the gallery’s schedule to find out what temporary exhibitions are visiting.

Study exhibits that could be drawn from any of the gallery's collections, such as African Art, which features approximately 3,000 pieces in wood, bone, horn and other media. See pieces drawn from the Historical Painting and Sculpture collection. It features the work of South African artists as well as renowned British names such as Thomas Gainsborough, Paul Nash and George Stubbs.

The Modern Painting and Sculpture Collection contains examples by South African artists from the early to middle 20th century. Among the renowned paintings you could see are The Golden Shawl by Irma Stern and Street Scene by Gerard Sekoto. You may also be able to view items from the Contemporary Art collection, which includes works from the 1960s to the present day. These works are principally by South African artists.

When you are in the courtyard, marvel at the beautiful teak doors carved by Herbert Vladimir Meyerowitz, a Russian artist who lived during the first half of the 20th century. They are known as the Lieberman Doors and depict the wanderings of Jewish people from biblical times until their arrival in South Africa.

Located in the Company's Garden on Government Avenue, the South African National Gallery can be reached by taxis and public transportation. Alternatively, drive and use the free parking lot. The gallery is open daily except Christmas Day and Workers' Day, which falls on May 1. Discounts on the admission ticket are available for children, seniors and family tickets based on two adults and two children. Children 5 years and younger enjoy free entry.

Tours & day trips

See all 990 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 482 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 46 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 36 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 22 activities

Popular places to visit


Top South African National Gallery Hotel Deals

Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
Taj Cape Town
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
4 out of 5
Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town, Western Cape
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl
SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl
3.5 out of 5
23 Buitengracht Street, Corner Buitengracht & Strand Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl
StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl
StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl
3 out of 5
54 Bree Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl
Southern Sun Cape Sun
Southern Sun Cape Sun
4 out of 5
23 Strand Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
Southern Sun Cape Sun
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.