Situated in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, Zeitz MOCAA is a brand new contemporary art museum that specialises in African art. This museum has been created within the old silo building – a spectacular building that was once used as a grain silo. Comprising 42 concrete tubes towering 33 metres in height, each spanning 5.5 metres in diameter, this building was redesigned by Heatherwick Studio, giving it a new life as an art museum. With retail, food and accommodation spaces creating a one-of-a-kind mixed use neighbourhood, the Silo District has emerged as a major tourist destination, adding to the popularity of the Waterfront region.

With much to offer its visitors, this museum is a worthy addition to any Cape Town tour. Keep reading to find out what makes the museum so special, and to get a taste of what you can expect when visiting this museum.

Zeitz MOCAA Highlights

A wide range of fascinating exhibitions and events can be enjoyed at the museum. These include the incredible cow hide piece called Material Value by Swazi artist Nandipha Mntambo – a piece that represents the cultural, historical, and universal value placed on cattle. This work takes the form of a massive, ghostly dress, floating through the museum’s vast exhibition space.

Another exhibition that provides endless talking points is South African artist Nicholas Hlobo’s staggering work titled iimpundulu zonke ziyandilenda. This dramatic display was originally created for the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011. A mixture of rubber inner tubing, multicoloured ribbons, an animal skull and pink theatre lights create an ominous bird that is straight of a dark fantasy film set.

While not as menacing as the larger than life bird above, Yinka Shonibare’s Addio Del Passato, Dusthouse is equally fascinating, providing a memorable performance. From the Zeitz website: “Shonibare’s Addio del Passato tells the story of Lord Nelson’s rejected love and plays out as an endurance performance. The sound of the opera resonates throughout the Dusthouse 24 hours a day. Four floors of stained glass windows are illuminated from the interior.”

If you are planning a trip to Cape Town in the upcoming months, we highly recommend a visit to this incredible new art museum. Please get in touch and let us know if you would like to arrange a visit to Zeitz MOCAA on your trip.