Best art exhibitions to see in Johannesburg this season
From Parkwood blue-chip galleries to Braamfontein museum shows, Joburg’s autumn programme is stacked with essential exhibitions for art lovers and collectors.
Why Johannesburg's Art Scene Deserves Your Attention
Johannesburg has quietly become one of Africa's most dynamic art destinations, with galleries, museums, and artist-run spaces that rival international centres. The city's art scene reflects its complex history, celebrates contemporary African voices, and provides spaces where collectors, students, and casual visitors can engage with work that matters. This season's programme is particularly strong, offering everything from blue-chip gallery shows to museum retrospectives and experimental installations.
Planning Your Art Exploration in Joburg
The key to enjoying Johannesburg's art scene is understanding how the city's galleries are distributed. Parkwood and the Keyes Art Mile cluster several major galleries within walking distance, making it easy to visit multiple spaces in one afternoon. Braamfontein and Newtown offer a different energy, with university museums, artist-run spaces, and institutions that focus on historical collections and emerging voices. Plan separate days for each area to avoid rushing and give each exhibition the attention it deserves.
Most galleries refresh their exhibitions every six to eight weeks, so checking websites or following them on social media helps you catch shows before they close. Opening nights often include artist walkabouts, curator talks, and opportunities to meet other art enthusiasts. If you're interested in collecting, don't hesitate to ask about price lists, payment plans, and shipping options – galleries are usually happy to help emerging collectors navigate the process.
Essential Tips for Gallery Visits
- **Timing matters**: Weekday afternoons are quieter, while Saturday mornings often feature curator-led walkabouts. - **Documentation**: Take photos (where permitted) and notes – many works sell quickly, and you'll want to remember what you saw. - **Parking and security**: Use secured parking lots, especially in areas like Joubert Park, and visit during daylight hours. - **Follow newsletters**: Gallery preview PDFs and exhibition announcements often drop in email newsletters before social media. - **Bring essentials**: A portable phone charger, comfortable walking shoes, and a notebook will enhance your experience.
Goodman Gallery (Parkwood) – Global South Heavyweights
Goodman Gallery has established itself as one of Johannesburg's most important contemporary art spaces, representing artists who work across the African continent and diaspora. The current season spotlights pan-African futurism alongside new work by artists who have collaborated with William Kentridge, creating exhibitions that feel both locally grounded and internationally relevant.
Expect immersive video installations, large-scale charcoal drawings, and detailed wall texts that provide context without overwhelming the work. The gallery's downstairs project space often features residency alumni and emerging artists, offering a glimpse into the next generation of talent. Saturday walkabouts with curators provide intimate opportunities to ask questions and understand the thinking behind each exhibition. The space itself is beautifully designed, with natural light and thoughtful installation that lets the work speak.
Everard Read & CIRCA on Keyes – Sculpture and Design
Everard Read's flagship gallery on Keyes Art Mile pairs monumental bronze and ceramic works with CIRCA's experimental installations, creating a dual-space experience that showcases both traditional sculpture and contemporary digital art. This season champions large outdoor sculptures that are perfect for serious collectors looking for statement pieces, while CIRCA's programme explores how technology and art intersect.
Don't miss the rooftop sculpture garden, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area alongside carefully placed outdoor works. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces creates a unique viewing experience, and the gallery's location in the Keyes Art Mile means you can easily combine your visit with coffee at nearby venues like Mix Cocktail Bar. The staff are knowledgeable and approachable, making it easy to learn about the artists and their processes.
BKhz Gallery (Keyes Art Mile) – Multidisciplinary Voices
BKhz Gallery, founded by artist Banele Khoza, elevates queer African perspectives through painting, textile work, and performance installations. The space feels intimate and personal, reflecting Khoza's vision of creating a platform for voices that have been historically underrepresented in mainstream galleries. Shows often include limited-edition prints that make collecting accessible to new buyers.
What makes BKhz special is its commitment to community – the gallery frequently hosts collaborative workshops, artist studio visits, and meet-and-greets that break down barriers between artists and audiences. Follow their Instagram for announcements about these events, which often sell out quickly. The exhibitions themselves are thoughtfully curated, with each show telling a story that extends beyond individual artworks.
Wits Art Museum (Braamfontein) – Archival Depth
Wits Art Museum draws from the university's impressive 12,000-piece collection to create exhibitions that juxtapose historical works with contemporary responses. The autumn programme often features beadwork, textiles, and traditional crafts alongside digital art and new media, creating conversations between past and present that illuminate how South African art has evolved.
Entry is free, though donations help fund conservation efforts and future exhibitions. Guided tours run on Wednesday afternoons and can be booked through the museum's website – these are particularly valuable if you want to understand the historical context of the works on display. The museum's location in Braamfontein makes it easy to combine with other cultural activities in the area, and the café offers a good spot to reflect on what you've seen.
Johannesburg Art Gallery (Joubert Park) – Heritage Revival
The Johannesburg Art Gallery has undergone significant restoration work, reopening several historic halls that showcase the city's art history. The current programme revisits early 20th-century South African painters alongside contemporary responses, offering a rare opportunity to see how artists have interpreted similar themes across different eras.
The gallery's collection is substantial, and the restoration work has improved both the viewing experience and the conservation of important works. Visit during daylight hours and use the secured parking lot on Klein Street for peace of mind. The Friends of JAG organisation frequently hosts pop-up talks and behind-the-scenes tours that provide deeper insights into the collection and the gallery's history.
Making the Most of Your Art Exploration
To truly appreciate Johannesburg's art scene, approach it with curiosity and patience. Map your routes with buffer time between galleries – rushing through exhibitions means missing the details that make each show special. Bring a portable phone charger for photos and note-taking, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Gallery staff and curators are usually passionate about the work and happy to share their knowledge.
Follow galleries on social media and subscribe to newsletters for preview PDFs and early announcements. Many exhibitions include opening events, artist talks, and special programming that enhance the experience. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a student researching South African art, or simply someone who appreciates visual culture, Johannesburg's galleries offer rich experiences that reward repeat visits and careful attention.
Why These Exhibitions Matter
The exhibitions on offer this season reflect Johannesburg's position as a cultural hub where African perspectives are centred, where historical collections are being re-examined, and where emerging artists find platforms for their work. Each gallery brings something different to the city's art ecosystem, from Goodman's international reach to BKhz's community focus, from Wits Art Museum's academic rigour to Johannesburg Art Gallery's historical depth. Together, they create a programme that's essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding contemporary South African culture and the role art plays in shaping how we see ourselves and our city.