The art of exploring
The Cape Point Route has a vast collection of interesting and informative museums as well as modern galleries that reflect the area’s spirit and history, writes Sally Grierson.
Muizenberg, as the gateway to the Cape Point Route, is architecturally fascinating with many of its buildings reflecting its wealthy colonial past when it was a holiday resort for the rich and famous. Several buildings were designed by Sir Herbert Baker, including the Joan St Leger Arts foundation which hosts classical concerts, has a collection of artworks and funds various art projects.
The ‘Millionaire’s Mile’ forms part of a seaside museum walk incorporating the Natale Labia, which houses temporary and permanent collections of art works. This is a ‘living museum’ where poetry readings, musical evenings and writers’ workshops are held on a regular basis. Viewing is by appointment only. Also on the strip are the Het Posthuis Museum – the oldest colonial building in the Cape – Rhodes Cottage, which houses memorabilia of the controversial mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes and the newly opened Battle of Muizenberg open-air museum, which was given an award for the Best New Museum of 2006 by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Sport.
For a more modern take on art, Kalk Bay Modern is well worth a visit. It specializes in Southern African Khoi art and contemporary art with some high quality crafts and textiles. The Kalk Bay Gallery, also on the Main Road, has original limited edition graphics, engravings, prints, African art and artifacts. Kalk Bay is a treasure seeker’s paradise with wonderful cobbled lanes and quirky stores and the harbour is a natural gravitational point for any visitor.
For a truly exceptional art experience, contact Rodwell House in St James. This boutique hotel is also a commercial contemporary art gallery with one of the finest collections of 20th century South African artists, with works by Boonzaaier, Naude, Nagatane and Van Essche amongst others. Viewing is by appointment only. Simon’s Town boasts four museums – the Simon’s Town Museum, the SA Naval Museum, the Heritage Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum. Not surprising, seeing that it’s the third oldest town in South Africa and was developed as a winter anchorage by the Dutch East India Company. The quaint town is home to some superb galleries with the Bronze Age Sculpture House hosting one of the finest exhibitions of bronze work in the country. It also has a working forge. Heather Auer Art and Sculpture Gallery on the Simon’s Town waterfront display original paintings and bronze sculptures by leading artists and also feature some township art and Shona sculptures.
Noordhoek Farm Village is a delight in its own right but lovers of art can browse through a few galleries in the Cellars section of the village, including the Noordhoek Art Gallery, Art Attack, the Eatwell Gallery and the Light from Africa Foundation.
History and legends abound on the Cape Point Route. Even transport has its place in history at the tip of the Peninsula. The Flying Dutchman funicular was converted from a diesel bus to an environmentally friendly, electrically powered funicular railway, the first of its kind in Africa.
Art, culture and history – all in one package. All in all winter is the perfect time to explore this rich, varied area.
For information on art galleries and museums contact Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za
Taken from article written in the July 2007 edition of Cape i. | 
