The world's largest museum of contemporary African art, in a converted grain silo with a rooftop sculpture garden.
Zeitz MOCAA, the Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, occupies a converted grain silo in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, and is described as the world's largest museum of contemporary African art. The building's concrete tubes were cut away to form a dramatic central atrium, and the galleries spread across multiple floors around it. Visitors can expect rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, video and installation work by artists from across the African continent and its diaspora, along with dedicated spaces for design and performance. A rooftop sculpture garden gives views over the harbour, Table Mountain and the city. The usual opening hours are Wednesday to Monday from about 10:00AM to 6:00PM, with closure on Tuesdays, so it is wise to confirm before going. International adults pay about R270, while visitors under 18 are admitted free, and discounts for residents of South Africa or other African countries may apply at the ticket desk. A thorough visit takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, and weekday mornings are the quietest time, as weekends and school holidays bring larger crowds to the Waterfront generally. The atrium itself is among the best photographic spots, particularly when light enters from above. Photography for personal use is usually permitted in most galleries, although specific exhibitions may restrict it. The museum is a ten-minute walk from the main Waterfront precinct, and Uber, Bolt and MyCiTi buses all serve the area. A cafe and shop operate on site, and the museum is often combined with a wider Waterfront outing.
| Admission | Adult International adult about R270 (approx $16.36) · Child Under 18 free; confirm at the ticket desk |
|---|---|
| Hours | Wednesday-Monday about 10:00AM-6:00PM; closed Tuesdays (confirm) |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
| Getting there | Walk 10 minutes from the Waterfront; Uber/Bolt; MyCiTi to the Waterfront |
| Address | Silo District, S Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa |
Location
Silo District, S Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
-33.9068, 18.4225 View on map
Highlights
- Converted grain silo with a carved concrete atrium
- Rotating contemporary African art exhibitions across multiple floors
- Rooftop sculpture garden with harbour and mountain views
- Free entry for visitors under 18
Tips for visiting
- Check that the museum is open, as it is usually closed on Tuesdays.
- Go on a weekday morning for the quietest galleries.
- Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours, plus extra for the rooftop garden.
- Ask at the ticket desk about discounted rates for African residents.
- Check exhibition signage before photographing, as some works are restricted.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekends and school holidays are the busiest periods.
Accessibility
The museum is housed in a modern renovated building with lifts between floors, making galleries accessible to most wheelchair users. Visitors with specific needs should confirm arrangements with the museum.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Zeitz MOCAA take?
Between 1.5 and 2.5 hours is typical, depending on how many exhibitions are on show.
Is Zeitz MOCAA worth it for kids?
Visitors under 18 enter free, and the atrium and rooftop garden hold the interest of many children, although the content is aimed mainly at adults.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed for personal use in most areas, but certain exhibitions may prohibit it, so check signage.