South African National Gallery

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

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 31 activitiesOpens in new tab

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
ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn on the Square
ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn on the Square
3 out of 5
10 Greenmarket Square Road, Cape Town, Western Cape
ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn on the Square
Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel
Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
38 Long Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel
Gorgeous George by Design Hotels
Gorgeous George by Design Hotels
5 out of 5
118 St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
Gorgeous George by Design Hotels
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
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
Pepperclub Hotel
Pepperclub Hotel
5 out of 5
Cnr Loop and Pepper Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
Pepperclub Hotel
Cape Town Lodge Hotel
Cape Town Lodge Hotel
4 out of 5
101 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
Cape Town Lodge Hotel
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.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.