Art takes centre stage at Mount Nelson with three new exhibitions in Cape Town

Cape Town’s iconic Mount Nelson Hotel is once again cementing its place as one of the city’s leading cultural destinations, with the launch of three new exhibitions showcasing some of South Africa’s most celebrated artists and creative voices.

For more than a century, the historic hotel has welcomed artists, writers and cultural figures through its doors. Now, that legacy continues with a trio of exhibitions spread across the property, offering guests and visitors a chance to engage with contemporary African art in unique and immersive ways.

The new programme includes a fashion-and-art collaboration at MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN, an atmospheric exhibition curated in partnership with the Norval Foundation, and a sculpture trail set among the hotel’s famous gardens.

Reimagining inherited histories

At MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN, The Foreign Familiar explores how objects, images and traditions introduced through colonial encounters have evolved into meaningful parts of contemporary African life.

Co-curated by acclaimed fashion designer Thebe Magugu and Julia Buchanan, the exhibition brings together fashion, sculpture and fine art to examine themes of identity, memory and cultural transformation.

Among the highlights is a collaborative sculpture by Magugu and artist Mary Sibande, blending Victorian-inspired silhouettes with Basotho blanket textiles. Works by Wim Botha challenge traditional Western artistic narratives, while Magugu’s Mafeteng capsule collection further explores the layered histories of colonial exchange and cultural reclamation.

Art as atmosphere

Elsewhere on the property, Interior Weather transforms Mount Nelson’s lounges, corridors and salons into an unconventional gallery space.

Curated by Carmen Joubert in collaboration with the Norval Foundation, the exhibition spans six decades of African art and examines how colour, texture and material can influence mood and atmosphere.

Rather than existing within a traditional gallery setting, the artworks are integrated throughout the hotel itself, encouraging guests to encounter them organically during their stay. Featured artists include Kate Gottgens, Dada Khanyisa, Eddy Kamuanga Illunga and Ephraim Ngatane.

A sculpture trail through the gardens

Art lovers can also explore a year-long outdoor sculpture exhibition presented in collaboration with Goodman Gallery.

Designed as a walk-through experience, the exhibition invites visitors to discover large-scale works throughout Mount Nelson’s landscaped gardens.

Featured artists include internationally renowned names such as Yinka Shonibare, William Kentridge, Walter Oltmann and Ghada Amer. Their works range from monumental bronze sculptures to intricate woven installations inspired by indigenous South African flora.

The exhibition encourages moments of quiet reflection while showcasing the diversity and innovation of contemporary art practices.

Guided art experiences

Visitors keen to delve deeper into the stories behind the artworks can join ARTROUTE’s complimentary weekly art tour, held every Thursday at 5pm. Led by an art and design specialist, the tour explores all three exhibitions and provides additional context on the featured artists and themes.

Interior Weather and the outdoor sculpture exhibition will remain on display until February 2027, while The Foreign Familiar runs until 27 August 2026.

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