Art galleries on Montagu that are worth a visit

3 min read

Montagu is well known as a haven for artists and creatives. While visiting the town you must put a day aside for a gallery-crawl! We’ve listed a few to get you started:

Hicks Art Gallery

This fine art gallery is run by Richard and Joy Hickman and is open 7 days a week. Various artists are on display at the Hickmans’ home, 9 Joubert Street. Richard, himself, works in water colours and his works can be spotted by its colourful imagery. Artworks can be shipped worldwide, so there is no excuse not to indulge in your next favourite painting!

IBIS Gallery

IBIS Gallery showcases local artist Carolyn Metcalfe’s artwork, and can be found on Bath Street. The name of her exhibition space comes from the Sacred Ibis, which can sometimes be spotted in Montagu and is one of Carolyn’s favourite birds. Alongside Carolyn’s gorgeous paintings and ceramics, you can find Hennie Kok’s woodwork and furniture.

The Gallery Montagu

Also on Bath Street, The Gallery showcases art from both local and international contemporary artists. If you are looking for a wide variety of items, this is a great stop. The Gallery stocks charcoal, watercolours, pastels, oil paints, multi- and mixed-media artworks and more!

Kupenda Africa Gallery

Located at 6 Kohler Street, Kupenda is where you want to go if you are looking for traditional African art. With well over 10 artists’ works being sold here, you can find everything from charcoal and pastels to oils to watercolour. The gallery also has a selection of traditional crafts, like baskets, blankets, beadwork, and more.

Francois Krige Gallery

Francois Krige was a famous South African artist who moved to Montagu 1967 and lived here until his death in 1994. His house at 35 Long Street has been restored and now functions as a gallery showing some of his work that is for sale. Many members of the Montagu community sat for Krige’s portraits, including domestic workers, gardeners, the town butcher, and Koos Kok, the curator of the town’s botanical gardens. He also painted still-life and landscapes.

Montagu Museum

The Montagu Museum consists of two buildings – the Joubert House, which depicts the lifestyle of locals in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and the Old Mission Church, where you can view the archive consisting of all documents, photographs, and Africana relating to the history of Montagu. If you want a small taste of the photographs you can see, have a look here.

We hope you love these galleries as much as we do! If you need some more recommendations or directions, please don’t hesitate to ask our friendly team at reception. Don’t miss the Historical Tour pamphlets at reception – this is a walking route you can follow that not only stops at multiple galleries in town, but also other important historical buildings and landmarks. Be sure to look into any cultural events that might be happening while you are staying, as there are sometimes pop-up galleries or events that are well worth a visit. Don’t forget to share and tag us in your favourite cultural snapshots.

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