Johannesburg Art Gallery- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

The Johannesburg Art Gallery, situated in Joubert Park at the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, stands as a pinnacle of art representation on the African continent. It surpasses the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town with its expansive collection, encapsulating a rich tapestry of cultural and historical narratives. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1915, this architectural marvel boasts 15 exhibition halls and sculpture gardens, making it the continent's largest gallery. Its extensive array includes 17th-century Dutch masterpieces, British and European art from the 18th and 19th centuries, South African works of the 19th century, and a formidable assortment of 20th-century local and international contemporary art. Remarkably, it pioneered the acquisition of works by black artists in South Africa, making a bold statement against the colonial imbalances of art representation. Among its treasures are pieces by iconic artists such as Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet, alongside pivotal South African figures like Gerard Sekoto and Walter Battiss. Despite facing maintenance challenges, the Johannesburg Art Gallery remains an irreplaceable repository of artistic heritage, reflecting both the historical depth and vibrant contemporary art scene of South Africa.