When the winter months finally begin to spread those frosty temperatures across the Western Cape – albeit delightfully brief, in comparison to the rest of the world – there’s something irresistibly romantic that comes with it. That nostalgic need for retreating and resting, creating and exploring our indoor habits.
For all of the other months of year, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor entertainment. Long walks on beautiful beaches, adventurous hikes in the mountain ranges, scenic drives cushioned between the ocean and the rugged cliffs…the Mother City and her abounding natural attributes never fail to inspire a healthy, outdoor lifestyle.
As soon as the winds change and the season warrants more of an indoor, cosy cluster of activities, a fresh wintry perspective of life in the Cape arrives. The museums are stocked with insightful, inspirational paraphernalia, eagerly anticipating your attention. The art galleries are exhibiting what’s local and unique, what’s complex and revolutionary and what’s as contemporary, as it is ancient. The craft and retail stores incite a healthy relationship with gift hunting and home redecorating. And then there are the indoor adventure centres that stir up that inner child, imploring us to have some fun, warming up that youthful heart! It’s as if the evolution of the seasons becomes the metamorphosis of ourselves. Quietly reawakening our artistic talents, our genuine curiosities and eternal appreciation for change.
In celebration of the middle of the year – our winter in the Cape – we’ve collated a list of some fabulous places to visit and invest in many creatively-active hours, throughout the month of June. Here is our selection of the amazing art galleries, museums, indoor adventure places and creative spaces, just a swift, scenic walk or drive away from Labotessa…
- We love a saunter through the Zeitz MOCAA. The Silo says it all. It’s the largest Museum of contemporary African Art in the world.
- Visit The Norval Foundation in Tokai for an exemplary insight into contemporary and classical African and International art! An art museum and sculpture garden situated on the slopes of Table Mountain in Steenberg, The Norval Foundation is only a 25-minute drive away from the hotel. For the artists in the travelling group, this is a wonderful, inspiring excursion on a wintry day.
- The Iziko South African museum – the country’s oldest museum, just a short walk away from the hotel – through the Company’s Gardens – houses a plethora of species with significant importance, as well as a Planetarium. From fossils, to ancient insects and historical tools.
- District Six Museum – An insightful, informative journey into the country’s compelling past, its segregation and what it represents today. Within walking distance from Labotessa.
- Iziko Slave Lodge – on the other side of Church Square, just a short amble away from the hotel.
- Get creative with ceramics at Clay Café in Hout Bay and Clay Café in the city. An ideal spot for the whole family to get involved in creating a pottery masterpiece, painting and snacking and sipping at the same time. In a cosy, warm environment.
For more Art inspiration…
- Worldart, 54 Church Street – Contemporary art with a lean towards Urban and Pop.
- The Cape Gallery, 60 Church Street. One of Oldest Fine Art Galleries in Town, rotating.
- Stevenson Gallery, Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock. Exhibits Regional and International works.
- Whatiftheworld, 16 Buiten Street. Contemporary pieces in various media forms.
- Salon 91, 91 Kloof Street. Boutique-style gallery for rising contemporary artists.
- Chandler House, 134 Church Street. Meet the extraordinary Michael – Curator, Illustrator, Ceramist.
- SMAC Gallery, The Palms, Woodstock. Flagship showcasing Contemporary African Art.
- Christopher Moller Gallery, 7 Kloof Nek Road. An old Victorian home hangs many pieces of classical art.
- The Goodman Gallery, 37a Somerset Road. Contemporary artists from our Continent.
- Gallery Momo, 16 Buiten Street. African and Diaspora inspired artworks.
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