The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront presents contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora across multiple gallery floors in a converted grain silo. This guide explains how to plan your visit with up-to-date visitor information including galleries, access, parking, and facilities.
It also offers clear direction on opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, and common questions for first-time travellers.
| Location | Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Entry price | R250 per adult; under 18s free |
| Opening hours | Daily 10am to 6pm (last entry 5:30pm) |
| Best time to visit | Late morning or early afternoon on a weekday |
| Parking availability | Underground paid parking in the Silo District; alternatives in the Waterfront |
| Typical visit length | 1 to 2 hours |
History and overview of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Zeitz MOCAA occupies a landmark industrial structure in Cape Town’s waterfront precinct that was once a grain silo. The transformation into a museum created a vast interior atrium and a series of interconnected galleries that showcase contemporary art from Africa and its global diaspora, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of creative practices across the continent. The architecture itself, with its carved concrete tubes and dramatic light interplay, is often noted as part of the visitor experience rather than merely a container for art.
Since opening in 2017 it has become a cultural anchor in the V&A Waterfront, drawing international exhibitions alongside its permanent collection and educational spaces. Gallery spaces span multiple floors and feature rotating exhibitions, installations, and thematic presentations that respond to current artistic discourses, while inviting engagement from both local communities and international audiences.
Cape Town may be one of the world’s great cities for outdoorsy people – partly because of experiences such as the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Chapman’s Peak Drive – but this ambitious art museum shows it can do indoor attractions as well.
5 great Cape Town experiences to book
- ⛰️ Combine the region’s natural highlights on a Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape Point day tour.
- 🚌 Take the genuinely useful hop-on, hop-off city tour, with an optional harbour cruise.
- 🏛️ Go on a hassle-free Robben Island tour, with pre-booked tickets and transfers.
- 🦁 See the Big Five at the Aquila Game Reserve on a day trip including lunch.
- 🧗 Go ziplining at the foot of Table Mountain.
How to get to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
The museum is situated in the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District on South Arm Road. If you are using public transport, MyCiTi buses and local taxis serve the Waterfront area, and it’s a short walk from the main Waterfront transport stations. Walking routes from central Cape Town along the waterfront promenade offer scenic access for pedestrians. Traffic within the Waterfront precinct is well signed, and the museum entrance is adjacent to the main public spaces where the Silo District meets the harbourfront.
If you are arriving from elsewhere in Cape Town, rideshare services and taxis are straightforward choices, dropping visitors directly at the entrance on South Arm Road. Walking within the Waterfront from nearby hotels and eateries is practical given the compact layout of the precinct.
Parking at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Underground paid parking is available in the Silo District and is the closest option to the museum entrance, managed by the Waterfront. These spaces tend to fill in mornings and midday, particularly on weekends and public holidays, so arriving early helps secure a place. Alternative parking areas throughout the V&A Waterfront are also within a 5–10-minute walk, with signs and maps showing locations for additional lots and garages. There is no free parking directly from the museum itself.
Opening hours at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Zeitz MOCAA is open daily from 10am to 6pm with the last entry at 5:30pm. Special closures, events or fundraising days may slightly alter access, so check ahead if you plan to visit on specific dates. There are also occasional extended hours for special programmes or events but these are announced separately.
Best time to visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Weekday late mornings or early afternoons are often quieter in the galleries, providing more space to view exhibitions without heavier weekend crowds. Cape Town’s seasonal weather can influence comfort around the waterfront, so cooler mornings or overcast days are pleasant for combining a museum visit with outdoor exploration nearby. If you have flexibility, avoid midday peak periods in the high season when both the museum and Waterfront precinct draw larger numbers.
Facilities at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
The museum includes public restrooms, elevators, and a retail museum shop with books, prints and art-related merchandise. Refreshments and meals are available at the rooftop Ocular Lounge and other dining venues within the Silo District, offering panoramic views of Table Mountain and the harbour. Seating and rest areas are positioned within the galleries, and the building’s design allows natural light to enliven the interior spaces while protecting the artworks.
Accessibility at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Zeitz MOCAA is wheelchair accessible with elevators and accessible routes throughout the main gallery levels. Accessible restrooms are provided on public floors, and staff can assist with specific access needs on arrival. The museum’s generator ensures continuity during periods of load shedding so lighting and climate controls remain stable during your visit.
Nearby attractions
- V&A Waterfront promenade and harbour views
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- Robben Island ferry terminal and tours
- Victoria Wharf shopping and dining complex
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Practical questions about visiting the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
| Is it free? | No, standard admission is R250 per adult; under-18s enter free with ID. |
|---|---|
| What time should I arrive? | Arrive around opening at 10am for quieter galleries and easier parking. |
| How long should I allow? | Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore exhibitions at a relaxed pace. |
| Is it suitable for children? | Yes, children under 18 enter free and there are education spaces and engaging displays. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | Yes, accessible routes and elevators are available throughout the museum. |
| Are there nearby cafés? | Yes, the rooftop Café/Lounge and many eateries are within the V&A Waterfront. |
| Can you bring food? | Food and drink are not permitted in galleries; use designated dining areas. |
| Is public transport reliable? | Yes, Cape Town’s MyCiTi buses and local transit serve the V&A Waterfront reliably. |
| Where is the best parking? | Underground paid parking in the Silo District or nearby Waterfront garages. |
Zeitz MOCAA combines contemporary art with striking architecture in a central Cape Town location. Plan your visit in daylight hours, combine it with the broader Waterfront attractions, and allow time for gallery exploration and views from the rooftop spaces.
More South Africa travel
Other South Africa travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The story of the world’s first heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital.
- Exploring the natural side of Cape Town.
- How to see the Boulders Beach penguins and Cape of Good Hope in one day.
- Why South Africans go to Durban for winter sun.
- Eight reasons to add Johannesburg to your South Africa trip.
