On September 24, 2024, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) invites you to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 100 years of the iconic Grain Silo and 7 years of Africa’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary art from the continent. This exciting day of festivities, held from 10 am to 6 pm, coincides with South Africa's Heritage Day and promises an enriching public programme that intertwines history, art, and architecture - all free for walk-in visitors!
Originally built in 1924, the Grain Silo was once a key player in Cape Town's industrial landscape, vital to the city’s role in global trade. However, as the grain industry declined, this monumental structure fell into disuse.
The 2017 transformation, led by the visionary architect Thomas Heatherwick, reimagined the silo into the stunning Zeitz MOCAA, now a beacon of contemporary African art and a cultural hub for the community.
Programme Highlights
The day's festivities will include the highly anticipated opening of the exhibition Silo Through the Century: Into the Contemporary. This captivating showcase combines archival images and videos to illustrate the silo's rich history and its evolution into a modern art museum. Visitors can delve into the building's various uses over the past century and explore its connections to South Africa's socio-political climate.
Other highlights of the day include:
∙ Guided Tours: Available in all official South African languages.
∙ Family Art Workshops: Engage in creative activities suitable for all ages.
∙ Live Performances and DJ Sets: Experience the vibrancy of local music throughout the day.
∙ Outdoor Food Court: Sample delicious local cuisine.
∙ Special Heritage Day Menu: Available at Zeitz MOCAA’s sixth-floor restaurant, Ocular Lounge.
∙ Museum Shop: Browse a selection of art-inspired gifts, books, and products.
The celebrations will culminate in a spectacular Silo Concert featuring South African trumpeter and vocalist Mandisi Dyantyis. Known for his soul-stirring performances and acclaimed albums, Mandisi’s concert promises to be a highlight of the day.
“The museum’s vision is to produce and present cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions and art historical knowledge, enhance the careers of Africa’s most talented artists in the 21st century and beyond, strengthen its education programmes, and ensure access for all,” says Liesl Hartman, Head of the BMW Centre for Art Education at Zeitz MOCAA.
“We look forward to seeing you at this momentous occasion where art, architecture and heritage converge to ignite the imagination and enrich the soul while honouring the past and embracing the future,”.
In recognition of this significant milestone, Zeitz MOCAA is offering a R100 discount on SILO Memberships throughout September. This membership provides a full year of unlimited access to exhibitions and exclusive events, ensuring that art lovers can continue to explore and engage with contemporary African art.
Mark your calendar for September 24 and experience the vibrant culture and history that Zeitz MOCAA embodies. With its iconic architecture, breathtaking views from the Rooftop Terrace, and a commitment to making contemporary art accessible to all, this celebration is not to be missed.
For more information, visit zeitzmocaa.museum.
