Cape Town has long been a magnet for artists both local and international. It could be the mountain, the bohemian lifestyle, the busy street life...we're not sure. Regardless, the 5 galleries we have highlighted here are just a brief sampling of what you are likely to find while roaming the streets.

1. The Association For Visual Arts (AVA)

Based in Church Street and surrounded by historical buildings, AVA is a dynamic, contemporary art gallery. Its three-week exhibitions showcase South African fine art in all media. AVA represents a varied spectrum of artists, both established and emerging and comprehensive ranges of art - from painting and sculpture through to photography and installation.

A non-profit association, its primary aim is the advancement of visual art and artists, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The gallery is open on weekdays from 10:00 - 17:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 - 13:00.
35 Church Street, Cape Town
phone: +27 21 424 7436
email: art@ava.co.za
website: www.ava.co.za

2. The Cape Gallery

Located in historical Church Street in the heart of the old city, this building houses fine art works reflecting the rich diversity of Cape culture,

Central to the tradition of South African painting is the abiding love of the land - early Cape painters were 'reporters' who described the topography, flora and fauna of the area, an approach that is still highly valued by the gallery's current clients.
Recently the emergence of the vibrant street art has added an essentially African character to the work on display.

The Gallery is open Monday - Friday 09:30 - 17:00 and on Saturday 09:00 - 13:00.
60 Church Street, Cape Town
phone: +27 21 424 7436
email: cgallery@mweb.co.za
website: www.capegallery.co.za

3. Michaelis Collection

Situated in the historical Old Town House on Greenmarket Square in the city centre, this gallery houses a precious and internationally renowned collection of the artworks by 16th to 18th century Dutch and Flemish masters. Both the collection and the building in which it is housed are of great aesthetic and historical importance. 
The early Cape Dutch building, with its proud three-arched portico and its quaint belfry, is an endearing little Rococo building.

In addition to the permanent collections, there is a consistent flow of special, temporary exhibitions widening the scope of the Gallery to cater for the cultural interests of Capetonians and tourists alike.

Visit the Michaelis Collection from Monday - Friday 10:00 -17:00 and on Saturday from 10:00 - 16:00. It is closed on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Old Town House, Greenmarket Square, Cape Town
phone: +27 21 481 3933
website: www.museums.org.za/michaelis

4. Nonjingi Gallery

This vibrant contemporary gallery displays some of the best works of emerging and established South African artists, depicted in all mediums and styles. Nonjingi provides the visitor with an overview of the diversity of South Africa's artists. If you want to truly celebrate art and culture the Cape Town way, then a visit to this gallery in Heritage House, Church Street, is an absolute must.

The gallery is open on Monday - Friday from 09:00 - 17:00 and Saturday from 09:00 - 14:00.
25 Church Street
phone: +27 21 423 4032
email: info@nonjingigallery.co.za
website: www.nonjingigallery.co.za

5. SA National Gallery

South Africa's premier art museum houses outstanding collections of South African, African, British and Western European art. Since 1990, the gallery has concentrated on establishing a collection that acknowledges and celebrates the expressive cultures of the African continent. The Gallery boasts an authoritative collection of beadwork as well as indigenous sculpture. There are also many examples of 'resistance art', depicting artists' responses to apartheid.

The temporary exhibitions of paintings, works on paper, photography, sculpture, beadwork, textiles and architecture provide insight into the extraordinary range of aesthetic production in this country and the African continent.

The gallery is open Tuesday - Sunday from 10:00 -17:00, but is closed on Mondays and Workers' Day (1 May).
Government Avenue, Gardens
phone: +27 21 467 4660
website: www.museums.org.za/sang