Zeitz MOCAA a boost for local tourism and arts industries

Image Credit: Iwan Baan

The Table Bay is one of the corporate sponsors of the museum which has breathed new life into the 1920s grain silo that was once one of the tallest structures in sub-Saharan Africa.

Remarkable transformation

"The transformation of the inside of the silo is absolutely remarkable and we are experiencing burgeoning interest amongst our guests to visit and photograph Zeitz MOCAA."

Born from a partnership between the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and former Puma CEO Jochen Zeitz, the Zeitz MOCAA will house diverse modern artworks from across the African continent and is the largest museum in the region dedicated to contemporary African art. The museum, designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, was built at a cost of over R500m by the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with the support of investors.

Iwan Baan

Iwan Baan

Showcasing the talents, passion, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of African artists

There are nine floors inside the silo, of which seven are filled with art. Besides the permanent collection and several changing exhibitions, there are centres for photography, performing arts and the moving image, a dedicated arts education centre, a costume institute and a curatorial training programme.

"Our involvement in the project aligns with our commitment to building and supporting a thriving tourism industry in Cape Town. As passionate supporters of African artisans and artists, we are excited to contribute to a platform that showcases the talents, passion, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of African artists in an authentic yet surprisingly cosmopolitan way. At the same time, we have been able to contribute to enhancing the diversity of cultural experiences available to both local and international tourists to our beautiful city.

Growing appeal

"More specifically, it enhances the ever-widening appeal of The Table Bay's home, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which itself was regenerated 30 years ago on the remnants of two derelict 19th-century harbour basins. It is important that we continue to collaborate and innovate so as to grow the appeal of the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront."

As part of its promise to deliver a genuine South African experience, The Table Bay emphasises the use of locally sourced produce and products - from fresh and seasonal produce from nearby farms for use in its kitchens, to locally produced bathroom amenities and artwork by emerging artists. This emphasis on sourcing locally produced goods and services also supports small and medium-sized, locally based businesses to ultimately promote a vibrant, diversifying and growing tourism sector.