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Discover South Africa's artistic talent
Gauteng's art galleries
'Portrait of Lady Phillips' by Antoinio Mancini (1909).
© Johannesburg Art Gallery
Did you know?
The Johannesburg Art Gallery is the largest art gallery in sub-Saharan Africa.
Gauteng's art galleries are spread between the cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg and showcase local and international art.
Johannesburg is home to the province's foremost artistic establishment, the Johannesburg Art Gallery. Founded in 1910 and situated in the heart of the city centre, it houses an impressive collection of Flemish and Dutch paintings, as well as works by Picasso, Pissarro, Monet and Degas.
The gallery also has a large South African art collection featuring the work of, amongst others, Gerard Sekoto, Alexis Preller, Maud Sumner, Sydney Kumalo and Ezrom Legae.
The Pretoria Art Museum's permanent collections range from South African old masters to international graphic art. Their 20th century collection includes works by Irma Stern, Gerard Sekoto and Judith Mason.
These national galleries are complemented by university and corporate collections that play an important role in acquiring and keeping significant local works.
Notable university collections are housed at the University of South Africa (UNISA) Gallery in Pretoria, the Eduardo Villa Museum and other smaller galleries at the University of Pretoria.
The Wits Art Museum will open in June 2012. This facility, with the Gertrude Posel Gallery, is affiliated to the Witwatersrand University. Their extensive permanent collection of 9 000 African paintings and sculptures, from across the continent, has been built up over several decades. This new museum will house the University's priceless collection of African art.
Significant corporate art collections include those of the Amalgamated Banks of South Africa (ABSA), the MTN cellular phone network collections and, the Standard Bank collection. One of the Standard Bank Gallery's most popular events is the annual exhibition by the winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year.
There are also several private commercial and non-commercial galleries in Jo'burg such as the Goodman Gallery, which has represented William Kentridge, Penny Siopis, Sam Nhlengethwa, Zwelethu Mthethwa, David Koloane and David Goldblatt. This is just one of the art galleries on Johannesburg's renowned Art Strip on Jan Smuts Avenue, which gives visitors easy access to the city’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Johannesburg Art Gallery
Tel: +27 (0) 11 725 3130
Pretoria Art Gallery
Tel: +27 (0) 12 344 1807/8
The Goodman Gallery
Tel: +27 (0) 11 788 1113
Unisa Art Gallery
Tel: +27 (0) 11 670 9000
Standard Bank Art Gallery
Tel: +27 (0) 11 631 1889
Wits Art Museum
Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 1365
How to get here
Most major galleries are easily accessible by car or public transport. See their websites or call for detailed directions.
Around the area
Johannesburg also has an impressive array of public art. Look out for seminal pieces during your time in the city.
Tours to do
Guided tours are available at the major art galleries in Gauteng.
What will it cost
Most Gauteng art galleries are free to the public, but check with the individual galleries beforehand.
What's happening
Most art galleries in Gauteng have permanent collections that are complemented by temporary exhibitions that change every few months. See their websites for details.
Best buys
Commercial art galleries in Gauteng have a wide range of exciting South African art for sale. National galleries sell art-related curios and books as well as beautifully made local crafts.