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Discover local traditions and small town treasures
Limpopo's art galleries
Pencil drawing by Warren Cary
© Warren Cary
Did you know?
The Venda culture's vibrant mythical belief system is reflected in their art.
The Polokwane Art Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building, is the best-known Limpopo art gallery. It is home to a collection of over 1000 paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photographic prints and installations. Much of the collection showcases work by artists from the region, including a significant collection of paintings and sculptures by Venda, Pedi and Tsonga artists. Look out for works by William Kentridge, Braam Kruger, Jack Botes, Jackson Hlungwani, Samson Mudzunga and Lucas Thobejane.
Also spend some time exploring Polokwane's Industrial Sculpture Park. It has a large collection, many of which are on permanent display.
Not far from the Polokwane Art Museum, you will find a Limpopo art gallery with a difference: the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum. It houses a collection of prints and over 23,000 glass negatives, tracing the first 50 years of Polokwane with images of architecture, industry, clothing, trade and famous town residents.
Polokwane's Eloff Gallery is a commercial art gallery in Limpopo, with an eclectic mix of rural crafts and South African art works. Look out for the work of Peter Goss, Willie van der Merwe, Hannetjie de Clerque, Pieter van der Westhuizen and Claerhout.
The Tzaneen Museum is a Limpopo gallery that houses a notable collection of Tsonga and North Sotho ethnological artefacts and art, including the world's largest collection of pole carvings from the region. Be sure to see the royal drums of the famous rain queen Modjadji. Sculptures by local artists also form part of the permanent collection.
There are also other small studios, workshops and markets dotted around the province that can turn up some small-town treasures if you have the time to visit them. These include the Johaan Koch Gallery in Mokopane, Limpopo Ceramics in Mookgophong, Chalkhamhill Contemporary Gallery in Hoedspruit, the Hlanganeni Arts and Crafts Centre in Phalaborwa, Thohoyandou Arts and Culture Centre in Thohoyandou and the Seabwakgana Pottery Project in Vivo.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Polokwane Art Museum
Tel: +27 (0) 15 290 2177
Johaan Koch Fine Art
Tel: +27 (0) 15 491 5610
Limpopo Ceramics
Tel: +27 (0)14 7433872
Chalkham Hill Contemporary Art Gallery
Tel: +27 (0)83 6260 416
Limpopo Tourism Authority
+27 (0) 15 293 3600
Tzaneen Museum
+27 (0) 15 307 2425
Venda Art Tour
+27 (0)12 991 6930
How to get here
There is a good road network in this large, less populated province and airports in Hoedspruit, Polokwane and Phalaborwa.
Around the area
Limpopo is home to some of South Africa’s best wildlife sanctuaries, including Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site and the northern parts of Kruger National Park and Marakele National Park.
Tours to do
Limpopo’s woodcarvers have received international acclaim and are well respected for their original and expressive works. The best way to see these local artists is with a guide – who will take you into the rural studios of these reknowned artists.
Best buys
The region is known for its fantastic crafts. Clay pots, carvings, basketwork, paintings, tapestries and fabrics can be bought at reasonable prices.