The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of its iconic Grain Silo building on the 24th of September 2024, which coincides with South Africa’s Heritage Day. This celebration also marks the museum’s 7th year as the largest institution dedicated to contemporary African art and the diaspora.
The Grain Silo initially built in 1924, served as an important segment of Cape Town’s industrial landscape. However, as the grain industry declined, the Silo became abandoned, gradually becoming a silent remnant of a bygone era. In 2017, the once-functional Grain Silo experienced a stunning transformation brought to life by visionary architect Thomas Heatherwick. The space was completely reimagined and repurposed into Zeitz MOCAA, now a leading cultural institution dedicated to showcasing innovative contemporary art from Africa and its Diaspora.
The day’s festivities will include free entry to the museum, making it accessible to the public. Visitors will be able to enjoy art workshops, live performances by prominent musicians like South African trumpeter Mandisi Dyantyis, multilingual guided tours, and the opening of Zeitz MOCAA‘s architecture exhibition titled Silo Through the Century: Into the Contemporary, which delves into the building’s history and transformation from a grain silo to a cultural landmark. The exhibition examines the different stages of the building’s use over the past century, revealing how its functions evolved in response to the socio-political context of the time. The display highlights the silo’s transformation into a contemporary African art museum, emphasizing the importance of this change as a symbol of progress through artistic and curatorial innovation.
Additionally, there will be a vibrant outdoor food court offering local cuisine, art-inspired shopping, and a special Heritage Day menu at the Ocular Lounge.
In honour of their centenary, Zeitz MOCAA is offering an exclusive R100 discount on their SILO Membership throughout September to enjoy a full year of unlimited access to exhibitions, exclusive events, and a host of other exciting benefits.
