Incredible architecture, colours, shapes, textures and changing African Art exhibits are some of the reasons why a visit to Zeitz MOCCA museum in Cape Town is a must.
Last week I got my first chance to visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCCA) at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and while I had seen and heard much about it, seeing the architecture and exhibits in reality, way exceeded my expectations.
Here are some reasons why you too will love Zeitz MOCCA and why you cannot miss it when you are in Cape Town.
The Incredible Architecture
The architecture will blow your mind! The stunning building was originally a landmark Grain Silo Complex, consisting of forty-two, 33 meter high concrete tubes, each with a diameter of 5.5 meters
A challenge was given to designer Thomas Heatherwick and his team of architects to redesign the building into a contemporary exhibition space which would house contemporary African Art, but somehow keep the soul of the original silo building.
And wow did they create something incredible. When you step inside the soaring atrium of the museum, you experience something magical. The middle of the original silos have been masterfully fused and cut in such a way that the building is a form of contemporary art in itself. It really has to be seen to be believed.
The beautiful geometric 3D windows can be noticed from miles around and are just magnificent in their beauty.
The rooftop floor installation called Cosmic Letters – etching on glass, is ceramic frit on laminated glass by El Loko.
The Exhibitions
Around the centre atrium and located over 6 floors are exhibition spaces featuring exhibits and artists from all over Africa.
There are some striking pieces, like this wall hanging by Ghana artist El Anatsui called Dissolving continents. It takes a while for you to realise the entire thing is made with aluminum and copper bottle tops.
Inspiration
Zeitz MOCCA is a place to get inspired, the colourful art pieces, shapes, and textures are a feast for the senses.
There are some interesting pieces of art that may inspire you to create a feature wall, like the art piece of ex President of Zimbabwe – Mugabe, which was used as a wallpaper in the exhibits pop up shop.
New Exhibit features Afrofuturism
Still here tomorrow to high five you yesterday opened on January 30th 2019. Located on the 4th floor, it provides an opportunity to re-examine the notion of Utopias, African Futures and Afrofuturism.
The African continent is home to many myths of creation and African mythologies bear a striking resemblance to science -fiction. In the new exhibition “artists are able to weave tapestries from past events in order to understand our present and possible futures.”
It’s a peep into the future with some pretty wild ideas. Don’t miss the wonderful story on Zambia (the country of my birth) it’s a true story of the countries space ambitions with the first “Afronaught”.
The exhibition runs until the 31st July 2019.
Accessibility
Zeitz MOCCA is located in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront, it is within walking distance from the V&A Waterfront shopping Mall, but if you wish to go stright there, then there is also parking at the museum.
Zeitz Mocca is open every day from 10am to 6pm and costs R190 per adult. Annual membership is R270.
There is free entry for African citizens on a Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.
The Silo District is home to some great restaurants, there is also a restaurant on the 6th floor of Zeitz MOCCA with beautiful views of Cape Town.
It is a good idea to check the Zeitz MOCCA website before you visit as it is occasionally closed for private functions. Click here for the link zeitzmocca.museum
Have a wonderful colourful week
