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Port Elizabeth's leading art gallery
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
© Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
Did you know?
Famous South African artist Walter Battiss was born in the Eastern Cape town of Somerset East.
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, formerly known as the King George VI Gallery, has a wonderful collection of South African art, particularly art from the Eastern Cape.
The limitied exhibition space means that there is a constant rotation of art works from the museum’s large permanent collection. This ensures there is always something new to see at the gallery. Its dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions adds to the variety.
The permanent collection is mainly retrospective. The museum, however, features art from across the historical spectrum at its temporary exhibitions. Highlights from the permanent collection include international graphics and British and Oriental art. You can see works by renowned artists such as Henry Moore, David Hockney, Marc Chagall, Honore Daumier and Rembrandt van Rijn. The orient is represented by a selection of Indian miniatures, Japanese wood-block prints and Chinese items from the Qing dynasty.
This art gallery in Port Elizabeth has also been collecting art works by prominent South African artists for over 50 years, including beadwork, township art and other African art. Some of the gallery's recent contemporary acquisitions include works by some of South Africa's top contemporary artists, like Berni Searle, Conrad Botes, Diane Victor and Nicholas Hlobo.
Of particular interest is the museum's collection of art of, and from, the beautiful Eastern Cape, making this a fantastic place to visit if you would like to learn and see more of the artistic history of the city and the province. Some famous Eastern Cape artists include Walter Battiss and George Milwa Mnyaluza Pemba, and the province is also home to art projects like the award-winning Keiskamma Art Project.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
The Gallery is in central Port Elizabeth, easily accessible by car, taxi and is one the City - Rink Street - Greenacres bus route. The street address is 1 Park Drive, Port Elizabeth. Note that there is no parking reserved for visitors at the Art Museum. There is limited street parking in Park Drive and metered parking in Park Drive and Rink Street.
Around the area
The gallery is at the entrance to the famous and beautiful St George's Park, which is worth a visit in its own right.
What will it cost
Admission to the gallery is free, except for events with advertised fees.
What to pack
The museum’s shop offers an interesting selection of books, catalogues, cards, gifts, posters, reproductions and other items.
What's happening
The Nelson Mandela Bay Arts Journey will introduce you to all of Nelson Mandela Bay's creative events.
Best buys
The museum’s shop offers an interesting selection of books, catalogues, cards, gifts, posters, reproductions and other items.