Johannesburg Art Gallery
Gauteng
The Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG), located in Joubert Park in central Johannesburg, is a premier art institution in South Africa. Established in 1915 and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the gallery boasts 15 exhibition halls and sculpture gardens. Its vast collection includes 17th-century Dutch paintings, 18th- and 19th-century British and European art, significant 19th-century South African works, and a large contemporary collection featuring 20th-century local and international artists. Notable artists represented include Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Gerard Sekoto, and Pierneef. The gallery was the first in South Africa to acquire a work by a black artist in 1940, reflecting its evolving commitment to diversity. Despite its cultural significance, the gallery has faced challenges such as poor maintenance and structural decline, prompting community efforts like the Friends of JAG to preserve its legacy. It also plays a vital role in urban regeneration and community engagement through public art projects and educational programs.
Plan your trip to South Africa with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to check the gallery's opening hours and book guided tours or lectures offered by the Friends of JAG for a richer experience. Supporting the gallery through donations or becoming a Friend of JAG provides access to exclusive events and discounts. The best time to visit is during scheduled exhibitions or public art events. Due to ongoing maintenance issues, some galleries may be closed, so confirming current accessibility is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The Johannesburg Art Gallery was once the largest art gallery on the African continent.
- •It holds a collection larger than the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town.
- •The gallery was the first in South Africa to purchase a work by a black artist, Gerard Sekoto's "Yellow Houses", in 1940.
- •Its building was designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who also designed parts of New Delhi.
- •The Oppenheimer family relocated their art collection from JAG to the Brenthurst Library in 2023 due to the gallery's deterioration.
History
The Johannesburg Art Gallery's collection was first exhibited publicly in 1910 at the University of the Witwatersrand before the gallery building was completed.
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and supervised by Robert Howden, the gallery opened in 1915.
It was extended in the 1940s and again in 1986-87, with the latter designed by Meyer Pienaar and Associates.
The collection was initiated by Sir Hugh Lane and enriched by Lady Florence Phillips and her husband.
In 1940, it became the first South African gallery to acquire art by a black artist, marking a milestone in its history.
Recent decades have seen deterioration due to poor maintenance and municipal challenges, leading to community efforts to preserve the gallery and its collection.
Place Guide
Main Exhibition Halls1915
Fifteen exhibition halls showcasing a diverse collection from 17th-century Dutch paintings to contemporary South African art.
Sculpture Gardens1915
Outdoor sculpture gardens featuring works by renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore.
Print Cabinet
A specialized collection housing prints from the 15th century to the present, including works by Camille Pissarro and Edgar Degas.
Contact
Phone: 011 375 5125
