The art of exploring.....

As the longest inhabited continent, Africa has an art history that extends back thousands of years. Fortunately there are some more modern and accessible ways to discover the religious, political and social works and buildings of African culture. The Cape Point Route which extends from Muizenberg to Hout Bay has a vast collection of interesting and informative museums, as well as modern contempory art galleries that reflect the spirit and the history of the area.

Muizenberg, as the gateway to the Cape Point Route, is architecturally fascinating with many of the old buildings reflecting its wealthy colonial past when it was an exclusive holiday resort for the rich and famous. Several buildings were designed by Sir Herbert Baker, one of which is the Joan St Leger Arts foundation which today hosts classical concerts and 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 house personal memorabilia of the controversial mining magnate 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 Bushman art and contempory 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, encompassing the rituals and beliefs so prominent in African culture. Kalk Bay is a treasure seekers paradise with wonderful cobbled lanes and quirky stores, and the harbour as a natural gravitational point for any visitor to this seaside village.

For a truly exceptional art experience, contact Rodwell House in St James. This boutique hotel is also a commercial contempory art gallery with one of the finest collections of 20th Century South African artists, including works by Boonzaier, Naude, Ngatane and van Essche amongst others. Viewing is by appointment only.

Simon’s Town boasts 4 museums – the Simon’s Town Museum, the SA Naval Museum, the Heritage Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum. Not surprising, seeing that Simon’s Town is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa and was developed as a winter anchorage by the Dutch East India Company, making it one of the destinations of choice during a Cape winter. This quaint town is home to some superb galleries with the Bronze Age Sculpture House hosting one of the finest exhibitions of bronze sculptures in South Africa and a complete working forge. Heather Auer Art and Sculpture Gallery in the Simon’s Town waterfront displays original paintings and bronze sculptures by leading SA artists and also features 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 that dwell 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 and a journey of discovery awaits those who are intrigued by the past and its influence on the present. 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 version. It was designed for minimum impact on the environment and produced entirely from SA resources and is the first commercial funicular railway of its kind in Africa.

History is alive and well and a fundamental part of the Cape Point Route. Winter is ideal to delve back in time and discover how the area developed, grew and changed. These changes are reflected in the buildings, art galleries and works of art, ancient, modern and traditional, which exist on the Cape Point Route.

For more information on art galleries and museums on the Cape Point Route:
Contact Cape Point Route 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za