Art & Culture In Cape Town

Cape Town, our beautiful Mother City, is most often celebrated for her dramatic coastline and iconic peaks like Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. However, the city’s rich cultural scene is equally worth exploring, especially during the wetter winter months. If you want to experience incredible local creativity, you will find a magnificent selection of historic museums, outdoor murals, and art galleries in Cape Town.

Whether you’re fascinated by South Africa’s layered history, are a lover of fine art, or are simply keen to see the city through a creative lens, there is no shortage of inspiring spaces to add to your itinerary. Fortunately, when you stay at Ocean View House, you are ideally situated to dive straight into this humming creative scene. Here’s our curated list of must-see cultural hubs, all located within easy driving distance of your luxury guest house on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Happy exploring!

Housed in a spectacularly converted historic grain silo at the famous V&A Waterfront, Zeitz MOCAA stands as the largest museum dedicated to contemporary African art on the continent. The architectural marvel spans nine floors and holds 9,500 square metres of vibrant exhibition space. It celebrates bold, geometric design while serving as a global hub for modern visual arts. Visitors can explore grand art exhibitions Cape Town hosts here year-round, gaining a powerful feel for the artistic narratives playing out across the African continent.

Where? Silo District, V&A Waterfront (9,5 km from Ocean View House)

South Africa holds a deeply layered history regarding racial segregation, where twentieth-century legislative policies actively separated different communities. For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the apartheid era, the District Six Museum is an essential, deeply moving stop.

The exhibits tell the story of a once-vibrant, multicultural community of over 60,000 people who were forcibly removed under the Group Areas Act of 1966. After the removals, the state demarcated the zone for white habitation only. Through personal photographs, recorded testimonies, and recreated home interiors, visitors gain an unforgettable insight into Cape Town’s socio-political past and the enduring resilience of its people.

Where? 25A Buitenkant Street, Zonnebloem (6,5 km from Ocean View House)

NIziko South African National Gallery, nestled within the peaceful Company’s Garden, originally established in the 1650s by the Dutch East India Company to supply fresh produce to passing ships, this classic museum showcases an extraordinary collection of heritage and international art. From 17th-century Dutch master paintings to cutting-edge contemporary installations, the gallery invites thoughtful reflection on colonial legacies and modern identity.

Where? Government Ave, Company’s Garden (7,5 km from OVH)

The Company’s Garden also connects a number of other interesting buildings to one another, all of which can be reached on foot.

After visiting Iziko South African National Gallery, you could also see:

• The South African Museum & Planetarium
• The National Gallery
• Parliament Buildings (Though a portion of this complex has been damaged by a fire and is currently under reconstruction.)
• Tuynhuys (The South African president’s Cape Town office.)
• St. George’s Cathedral

The local gallery scene is incredibly dynamic, with fresh, avant-garde spaces popping up across various creative neighborhoods each year. Whether you are a seasoned collector looking for premier art exhibitions Cape Town offers or a trendy browser, these top establishments represent the absolute finest art galleries in Cape Town.

This leading contemporary gallery occupies a beautifully converted space in the eclectic district of Woodstock.. WHATIFTHEWORLD proudly represents a host of rising and established pan-African artists. Visitors can regularly expect immersive mixed-media works, conceptual sculptures, and socially conscious displays. It is the perfect stop for edgy, boundary-pushing projects.

Where? 1 Argyle Street, Woodstock (8 km from Ocean View House)

The Cape Town extension of South Africa’s oldest commercial gallery, Everard Read CIRCA provides a stylish, light-filled environment next to the harbor. The venue showcases premier modern artists, ranging from striking bronze sculptures to monumental canvases. The gallery maintains a highly sophisticated aesthetic, making it ideal for seasoned collectors and first-time art browsers exploring art galleries in Cape Town.

Where? 3 Portswood Rd, V&A Waterfront (9 km from Ocean View House)

With a distinct focus on pan-African perspectives, Eclectica Contemporary champions diversity and inclusion through visual storytelling. Among the notable art galleries in Cape Town, this space stands out for its bold, experimental exhibitions and its clear commitment to nurturing emerging young African creatives.

Where? 69 Burg Street, Cape Town CBD (7,8 km from Ocean View House)

The Falko Mural at Ocean View House

You do not have to travel far to see world-class street art. In fact, the exterior wall of Ocean View House features a striking elephant mural painted by Falko. As one of South Africa’s most iconic graffiti pioneers, Falko played an integral role in developing the country’s street art movement in the late 1980s when he was just 16 years old.

His signature focus on colorful elephants began in 2014, resulting in over 200 murals scattered across South African towns. Our specific mural was freshly repainted in June 2022. It beautifully symbolizes family, rebirth after drought, and finding light during times of darkness.

The formerly industrial suburb of Woodstock has transformed into a massive living canvas, turning this trendy neighborhood into a sprawling outdoor gallery. Taking a walking tour through these alleys offers an insider’s look at striking large-scale murals and stenciled slogans. Consequently, each piece tells a unique story of social change, community resistance, or cultural identity.

The quieter cousin of Woodstock, Salt River, boasts an equally compelling mural scene, which features prominently on the annual Public Art Festival (IPAF) circuit. Click here and scroll to the bottom of the landing page for a tagged self-guided map of street art in Cape Town’s CBD – a perfect DIY exploration.

Note: Street art, being what it is, is generally a self-guided affair. However, there are some tour operators that offer guided tours should you prefer. Chat to our front desk team about reputable options – we’d be more than happy to help you organise an outing!

Whether you are ducking into a trendy exhibition between beach walks, enjoying a quiet museum morning, or wandering the graffiti-clad streets of Woodstock, art invites you to think deeply about Cape Town’s multifaceted identity.

At Ocean View House, you are able to enjoy this entire cultural spectrum. Our property sits just minutes away from the natural beauty of Camps Bay and a short drive from the city center. After an inspiring day of cultural discovery, you can return directly to your sea-view suite and watch the sunset with a signature cocktail in hand.

If you’re ready to book your stay, get in touch with our reservations team at info@oceanview-house.com. Alternatively, browse our stay options and secure your own dates on our online booking platform.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Cape Town!