Johannesburg is not only the biggest city in South Africa, but it is also a lively hub for art, culture, and creative energy. Johannesburg is filled with galleries that range from historic to futuristic, showcasing the country’s artistic diversity.
1. AGOG Gallery: 12 Lower Ross Street, Maboneng Precinct
In the heart of the Maboneng Precinct, AGOG Gallery offers a mix of urban cool and contemporary African art. You can find both well-known and up-and-coming artists here, and the shows often explore topics that are deeply connected to African life and current social issues.
2. Everard Read Gallery Johannesburg: 6 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank
Established back in 1913, Everard Read Gallery is an icon of South Africa’s art world. This is the place to soak up a rich tapestry of traditional and modern South African art, from landscapes and wildlife to large-scale installations.
3. Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG): Joubert Park, City Centre
The Johannesburg Art Gallery, or JAG, is the largest gallery on the African continent. Inside, you’ll find a combination of South African and international art, with pieces by well-known artists like Picasso and Monet sharing space with African artifacts and traditional art.
4. David Krut Projects: Arts on Main, Maboneng Precinct
David Krut Projects blends art with literature, focusing on printmaking, limited-edition books, and artist collaborations. This is perfect for anyone who loves both art and books, offering a range of art literature that makes it a library as it is a gallery.
5. Absa Art Gallery: Absa Towers North, Johannesburg CBD
The Absa Art Gallery in the CBD, celebrates up and coming South African talent through its exhibits. It showcases the winners of the Absa L’Atelier Competition, one of the country’s premier art competitions, offering a look at the next generation of South African artists.
6. Circa on Jellicoe Gallery: Rosebank
Circa on Jellicoe is one of Johannesburg’s architectural gems. Inside, the gallery hosts a mix of South African and international art, often with a focus on themes that connect socially. The combination of eye-catching architecture and careful curating creates an inviting space.
Practical Tips for Driving and Parking During the Tour
Taking a self-drive tour around Johannesburg means you can set your own pace and enjoy each gallery as long as you like. Here are a few practical tips to make the journey easier:
- Maboneng Precinct: If you want to get the most out of your time in Maboneng Precinct, park a little further away and stroll around. It’s easy to walk around.
- Rosebank: Parking garages are available, though they can get busy during peak hours. Ride-sharing can help avoid parking stress.
- City Centre: Since parking can be hard to find near JAG, you should take the bus or use one of the nearby parking garages for parking.
- Sandton:
- Get there early, because it gets busy, but you can still get around, particularly near the shops.
For those looking to start their self-drive art journey, car hire through SANI Car Rental offers a flexible and hassle-free way to explore Johannesburg’s artistic side.
Explore South Africa by renting a car from SANI Car Rental. SANI Car Rental is a South African homegrown car rental company. Vehicles available to rent include compact cars, economy cars, premium cars, people carriers, and SUVs. SANI Car Rental has customers all over South Africa, including at all the major airports, both domestic and international.
