Zeitz MOCCA

About Zeitz MOCCA

What was once the tightly-packed grain silos that stored massive quantities of maize has been transformed into an architectural and artistic wonder in the form of The Zeitz MOCCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) (Zeitz Mocaa). Instead of demolishing this disused building at the V&A Waterfront, architects and artists leaped in to create an incredible home for some of the most modern contemporary art (and artists) on the continent and abroad. Today, it is the first international museum that is dedicated to showcasing contemporary African art.

At any given time, there are scores of exhibitions adorning the walls and spaces of Zeitz MOCCA. As visitors meander amongst them, they become a part of the fantastic approach to design. This is because, instead of destroying the silos to make big open spaces for these unique pieces, the architects used the contours of the silos, carving them out to create cunning dimensions that flow. Contoured tubes and tunnelled spaces invite explorers to be part of this leading-edge museum. The open atrium space invites the light to flood the rooms, while the patterned glass adds a certain fairytale feel.

Of course, this is all about the art on display. Those with a keen eye for design will love seeing what the artists of the future have in store. Some pieces are post-modern and jarring, forcing an opinion; others celebrate the beautiful heritage of South Africa in poignant ways. But, all are incredible to see.

Zeitz MOCCA is a fantastic venue for high-end events to make an impression. The atrium has a cathedral feel as it rises 33 metres high, while The Venue (on the sixth floor) is multifunctional and provides views of the exquisite sculpture garden. In the distance, Table Mountain can be seen as it keeps its watchful eye over the ever-buzzing City Bowl of Cape Town. The international airport is about 20 kilometres from here.