Celebrate Heritage Day at Zeitz MOCAA for the Silo Centenary Celebration on 24 September 2024. This event marks 100 years since the now iconic Grain Silo building was constructed, and seven years of Africa’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its Diaspora.
Coinciding with South Africa’s Heritage Day, the event features free museum access, a vibrant outdoor food court, art workshops, DJ sets, multilingual tours, an architecture exhibition, and a live music concert. Visitors can also enjoy a special September Membership Discount, making it the perfect time to join the museum community. The celebration happens at the museum at the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District and offers a unique blend of history, art, and architecture, and is free and open to all.
More about the original Grain Silo
It was certainly an ambitious project to repurpose 42 cellular grain concrete silos, each standing 33 metres high with a diameter of 5.5 metres and no open space to experience the volume from within.
The brief given to Heatherwick Studio was to reimagine the Grain Silo Complex at the V&A Waterfront with an architectural intervention inspired by its own historic character. Conceptualisation for the museum started in 2014, and in September 2017 the venue officially opened its doors to the public.
The original Grain Silo was built in the 1920s as a thriving grain storage hub in Cape Town and, at the time, it stood as the tallest building in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The silo was part of the collective grain system which was once used to hold and grade maize from all over South Africa. Its use ultimately faded out with the move towards container transporting and the end of Apartheid.
Live music, food stalls, and art workshops
The Silo Concert promises a show-stopping performance by renowned South African trumpeter and vocalist Mandisi Dyantyis, whose acclaimed albums Somandla and Cwaka have cemented his reputation in contemporary music.
Set against the iconic Silo District backdrop, his performance is the musical highlight of the day’s free-entry festivities. Visitors can also enjoy a vibrant outdoor food court, offering a variety of local cuisines, perfect for relaxing while soaking in the entertainment.
Discover the latest art exhibitions on show + guided tours
The museum is set to unveil a new architectural art exhibition that will enthral visitors on Heritage Day. But beyond that, there are a number of must-see showings including “The Other Side of Now” by Vietnamese-American artist Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn which explores themes of memory, displacement, and identity through film and sculpture.
Visitors can also explore the Zeitz MOCAA Permanent Collection, showcasing over 500 diverse works on paper, canvas, photography, and sculpture, all featuring global contemporary artists.
Keen on getting an expert’s overview of the exhibitions? Guided tours in multiple languages will be open to visitors.
Cost: FREE museum access on Tuesday, 24 September only
When: From 10am to 6pm
Where: V&A Waterfront Silo District, S Arm Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Save with a special Zeitz MOCAA Membership offer
In honour of the Silo centenary, Zeitz MOCAA is offering a special membership rate of R290 per person valid until 30 September 2024. This limited-time discount provides year-round access to the museum, along with exclusive benefits.
Redeem your discount today and be part of the celebration. Use promo code SILO100 on Webtickets for your R100 discount.
Those interested in supporting the museum’s mission and enjoying its offerings can take advantage of this unique offer before it ends. For more information on the Zeitz MOCAA Membership Programme or to join, email membership@zeitzmocaa.museum
Drink and dine at the museum’s gorgeous rooftop space
Ocular Lounge, located on the rooftop of the museum, will be open for drinks and dining throughout the day. Offering panoramic views of Table Mountain and the cityscape, this eatery serves up a range of inventive eats and cocktails in a sophisticated setting. Keep an eye out for special drink and dining offers running throughout the day.
Get in touch
Website: zeitzmocaa.museum
Email: info@zeitzmocaa.museum
Tel: 087 350 4777
Instagram: @zeitzmocaa
Facebook: @ZeitzMOCAA
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