About Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA)
Carved from a 1921 grain silo at the V&A Waterfront by Heatherwick Studio, Zeitz MOCAA is the largest museum of contemporary African art and diaspora.
Founded in 2017, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) has been welcoming visitors for over 9 years. Today it draws approximately 380,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited modern & contemporary museums in the world. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, the museum holds a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 3,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) ranks #94
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #94 in our composite ranking, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Architectural icon.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Heatherwick atrium
- ◆Centre for Photography
- ◆Costume Institute
- ◆Permanent African contemporary art collection
Recognition & awards
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00. Closed Mon.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is located in Cape Town, South Africa at coordinates -33.9078°N, 18.4226°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA)
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) was established in 2017, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Cape Town. With 380,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in South Africa's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important modern & contemporary museums in the Africa region.
Other top modern & contemporary museums
If you enjoy modern & contemporary museums like Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #11Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)New York, United States
- #12Tate ModernLondon, United Kingdom
- #13Centre PompidouParis, France
- #25Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, United States
- #26Guggenheim Museum BilbaoBilbao, Spain
More museums in Cape Town
Cape Town is home to 2 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) with these nearby institutions:
- #124Iziko South African Museum🦖 Natural History
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA)?
Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00. Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA)?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) located?
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is located in Cape Town, South Africa. The exact coordinates are -33.9078°, 18.4226°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) known for?
Africa's largest contemporary art museum. Key highlights include Heatherwick atrium, Centre for Photography, Costume Institute. The museum holds a 4.5/5 rating from 3,500 reviews.
How many people visit Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) each year?
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) receives approximately 380,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in South Africa.
When was Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) founded?
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) was founded in 2017, making it 9 years old. It is categorised as a modern & contemporary museum in our directory.
