Add Rupert Museum to your Stellenbosch art tour list

Legendary Sam Nhlengethwa has an exhibition and playing personal vinyl collection

Local art pioneer Sam Nhlengethwa is currently showing at the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. The work features is from his latest project The Still from Life, and features his trademark colourful figurative and collage work exploring various themes including jazz, social history and daily life.

The exhibition runs until 28 February, 2021. Make sure to take in the installation dedicated to his family photographs and vinyl jazz records.

DON’T MISS THIS CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW THIS LOCAL LEGEND 

Nhlengethwa grew up in Ratanda location, near Heidelberg, and is one of the founders of Newtown’s legendary Bag Factory. He was awarded Standard Bank’s prestigious Young Artist of the Year award in 1994, and has shown in London, Cologne and Atlanta, among other countries. 

One of South Africa’s leading resistance artists, Nhlengethwa has shifted the content and style of his work to explorations of other themes integral to his life, such as jazz and the mechanics of everyday living and “the movement of people”, as he describes it.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE RUPERT GALLERY’S EVENTS

The RUPERT Museum houses a collection of work that was first curated by Anton and Huberte Rupert back in the 1940s, while the gallery space features different short-term exhibitions focused around themes or by specific artists. 

It also sometimes hosts events focused around the artists, such as Nhlengethwa’s opening night at which he was present and even played some music from his impressive jazz collection.

TAKE A COFFEE BREAK AT THE RUPERT MUSEUM CAFÉ

The museum is set in beautiful gardens and there’s also a bright and airy café, which is home to an original Vladimir Tretchikoff, an imposing fireplace that creates an accent wall. 

Order the smashed avo toast topped with tahini dressing (R65) for a quick bite or satisfy a bigger appetite with the penne bolognaise (R95). The smoked mackerel salad (R110) is a great summer option.  And of course, you can simply order a cup of coffee or tea.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE RUPERT MUSEUM

The Rupert Museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. And the best part? Entrance is free.

By Cassidy Emmanuel

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Fill out the rest of your day in Stellenbosch with our list of things to do.
Tick off these other local must-see museums.
If art isn’t your thing, browse these events to find your weekend vibe.

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