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Zeitz MOCAA (Cape Town South Africa) – Heatherwick Studio 2017

Introduction

Zeitz MOCAA, short for Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, is a contemporary art museum located in Cape Town, South Africa. The museum was designed by Heatherwick Studio in collaboration with the V&A Waterfront, a mixed-use development in Cape Town. The museum showcases contemporary African art from the 21st century and features a unique architectural design that incorporates the historic Silo district of Cape Town.

Design and Architecture

The Zeitz MOCAA museum is located in a converted grain silo facility that was built in the early 1900s. The building was converted into a museum, and Heatherwick Studio was brought in to design the project. The design features 42 cylindrical concrete tubes that were cut at different angles and heights to create a unique form. The design of the museum is inspired by African art and culture, and the design takes cues from the traditional African wooden masks that served as a source of inspiration.

The museum comprises nine floors, with galleries showcasing the works of African contemporary artists. The museum’s unique interior design creates a dramatic visual experience, with visitors navigating through the grain silo’s cylindrical spaces.

The exterior of the building is a combination of preserved silo walls with portholes, and an additional structure built upon it. The structure is made of glass-blown windows, which appear like a large lattice, providing natural light to the galleries. The extrusion is a perfect example of the museum's architectural feats being sympathetic to the surrounding environment.

The Collection

Zeitz MOCAA is home to an extensive collection of contemporary African art, which is one of the largest on the continent. The collection is made up of over 100 galleries showcasing works of various artists across Africa. The exhibition features some of the renowned artists like Kudzanai Chiurai, Wangechi Mutu, Nandipha Mntambo, and many more.

The museum collects, preserves, and exhibits contemporary art, creating space for artists to express their views to the world. The museum's artworks are displayed in a way that curators and collectors work together to create exhibitions and installations. The museum also features rotating exhibitions, which showcase exciting new works by emerging African artists from around the continent.

Visitor Information and Ticketing

Zeitz MOCAA is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, with the last entry occurring at 5:15 pm. The museum is closed on Tuesdays except during seasonal holidays. The museum’s ticketing price varies from R200 for adults, and R100 for South African citizens and residents with valid South African identification. Tickets can be purchased online through the museum’s website, or at the museum's admissions desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Zeitz MOCAA located?

Zeitz MOCAA is located in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa.

What are the museum’s operating hours?

The museum is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, with the last entry occurring at 5:15 pm. The museum is closed on Tuesdays except during seasonal holidays.

How much are the tickets to the museum?

The ticketing price to the museum is R200 for adults and R100 for South African citizens and residents with valid South African identification.

What is the museum’s collection?

Zeitz MOCAA is home to an extensive collection of contemporary African art that showcases works of various artists across Africa.

Does the museum have rotating exhibitions?

Yes, the museum features rotating exhibitions, which showcase exciting new works by emerging African artists from around the continent.

What is the museum’s design concept?

The museum's design concept incorporates the historic Silo district of Cape Town into a unique architectural design inspired by African art and culture. The design features 42 cylindrical concrete tubes cut at different angles and heights to create a unique form that navigates the museum's spaces.

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Originally published: 

April 22, 2023

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Jason

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I enjoy designing and curating experiences both virtually and in 3-dimensional reality.
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