Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town: practical guide

At the heart of Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, Zeitz MOCAA occupies a former grain silo transformed by Thomas Heatherwick and dedicates its galleries to contemporary African art.

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) occupies a repurposed former grain silo on Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. Opened in 2017, it houses the continent's largest public collection of contemporary African art and diaspora work. The architecture, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, enters into dialogue with the collection assembled by German businessman and philanthropist Jochen Zeitz, the museum's co-founder.

Why visit Zeitz MOCAA

A collection dedicated entirely to African creativity of the 21^st century, as the museum itself puts it: "Everything in the collection is from the 21^st century."
An architectural feat born from transforming a concrete grain silo, once Cape Town's tallest building.
A rotating programme of temporary exhibitions renewed several times a year, complementing the permanent collection.
A central location at the V&A Waterfront, easily incorporated into a day exploring Cape Town.

History: from grain silo to contemporary art museum

Built in 1921, Cape Town's grain silo long dominated the city's skyline. Comprising 42 vertical concrete cylinders, it served to store and transfer grain destined for export through the harbour. It remained the city's tallest building for several decades, until the modern business district surpassed it.

Decommissioned at the end of the 20^th century, the building was reimagined by British architect Thomas Heatherwick. Rather than demolish the structure, his firm chose to carve literally into the concrete mass: eight cylinders were hollowed out to create a spectacular central atrium, its form evoking a giant grain of wheat. The sculptural volumes reveal the raw curves of the original silos.

The museum opened in September 2017, in partnership with the V&A Waterfront Foundation and Jochen Zeitz's private collection. Though a public institution, it continues to house this collection alongside works acquired for MOCAA's permanent collection.

What to see at Zeitz MOCAA

The central atrium

The entrance space alone warrants a visit. Spanning nearly ten storeys, the atrium carved from the former cylinders admits light through faceted skylights. The vertical journey, punctuated by staircases and walkways, forms an integral part of the architectural experience.

The permanent collection

Spread across roughly a hundred galleries, the collection focuses on African and diaspora artists active since 2000. Photography, painting, sculpture, installation, video, and performance are all represented, featuring artists such as Nicholas Hlobo, Athi-Patra Ruga, Kudzanai Chiurai, and Zanele Muholi.

Thematic spaces

The museum also includes a Centre for Photography, a Centre for Movement (fashion and performance), a Centre for Art and Curatorial Practice, and a space dedicated to digital practices. A programme of temporary exhibitions complements the permanent offer, with monographic displays and site-specific projects.

The panoramic terrace

At the building's summit, a rooftop terrace offers views over the harbour, Table Mountain, and the bay. Access is included with your museum ticket.

Practical information

Address: Silo District, S Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002.
Opening hours: daily daytime opening, with weekly late-night hours depending on season. Check updated hours before your visit.
Admission: moderate entry fee for international visitors; free entry for African residents one morning per week.
Duration: allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the main galleries and atrium.
Accessibility: lifts and ramps serve all floors.
Official website: zeitzmocaa.museum.

Nearby attractions

Zeitz MOCAA sits within the V&A Waterfront, sharing its harbour energy, shops, and restaurants. Several Cape Town sites can be visited in the same day or trip:

Table Mountain, accessible by cable car from the city centre.
The Cape of Good Hope and its national park, roughly 1 hour's drive south.
Cape Point, situated within the same park, for its cliffs and lighthouse.

Frequently asked questions

The museum is situated in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, at S Arm Road, Cape Town 8002. It is easily accessible on foot from other Waterfront attractions.

Plan for an average of 2 to 3 hours to explore the main galleries, atrium, and terrace. Contemporary art enthusiasts may wish to spend half a day.

The transformation of the former grain silo was carried out by the British firm of Thomas Heatherwick, who hollowed out eight concrete cylinders to create the distinctive central atrium.

Zeitz MOCAA is dedicated to contemporary African and diaspora art produced since 2000. The collection combines works from Jochen Zeitz's private collection and museum acquisitions, supplemented by temporary exhibitions.

Yes. The architecture impresses children, and certain contemporary installations are immersive. The museum periodically offers educational activities and adapted tours.

Incorporating Zeitz MOCAA into a South Africa trip

A museum visit naturally combines with broader exploration of Cape Town and its region: historic city centre, peninsula views, vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, then safari in the north-east of the country. To build a bespoke itinerary blending urban culture and vast landscapes, explore our Afrique du Sud travel ideas.