The Johannesburg Art Gallery based in Joubert Park in Johannesburg City, is the largest gallery in South Africa. Housed in a beautiful 1911 building designed by Edward Lutyens, who later went on to design many buildings in New Delhi, the gallery boasts fifteen exhibition halls and lovely sculpture gardens.
It houses collections of 17th century Dutch paintings, 18th and 19th century British and European art, 19th century South African works, a large contemporary collection of 20th century local and international art and a print cabinet containing works from the 15th century to the present.
Some artists represented are Pablo Picasso, Gerard Sekota, Claude Monet, George Pembridge, Walter Battiss, Rodin, Henry Moore, William Kentridge and Sydney Kumalo. The works are further complemented with temporary exhibitions.
As well as paintings there are exhibits of sculpture and multi-media installations. Other recent additions include traditional African pieces, including bead jewellery in the form of necklaces and bracelets. Works made of rock, wood, tyres, wire, cement, clay, ceramic and bronze and metal have also been collected by the museum, treating visitors to the distinctive flavour of local artwork.
With a collection larger than that of the SA National Art Gallery in Cape Town – it is a must visit for anyone who loves art.
For information on the latest exhibits
Located on the corner of Klein and King George Streets in Joubert Park, this area is not considered safe to leave your car. The gallery should be visited by taking a taxi to the gallery’s Klein Street entrance or using the secure gallery car park.
Getting there:
Gautrain: Take the Gautrain to Park Station and board the Rea Vaya C3 bus. Drop off at the Johannesburg Art Gallery station.
Rea Vaya: From Soweto, take the Rea Vaya T1 bus. Drop off at the Johannesburg Art Gallery station.
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am – 5pm (Closed on Christmas Day and the Day of Goodwill): Entrance is Free: There is disabled access, a book shop where visitors can purchase local and international art books, journals and exhibition catalogues and a café which is closed on Sundays. Tel: 011 725 3184.
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