Norval Foundation, the art museum with a secret sculpture garden

Unmissable summer exhibitions, picnics amongst the sculptures, & more

Last updated: Tuesday, 14 October 2025 

You really need the full day to truly experience the Norval Foundation. While many know it for its modern and contemporary African art exhibitions, it also has a sculpture garden set among indigenous wetlands and a breezy bistro with a deck overlooking the vineyards. 

This summer, you're in for a treat. There are four stellar exhibitions, including one by Brett Murray; Grub & Vine picnics, which you can dine on among the sculptures; and a children’s programme where they create artworks while you wander through the museum, or work in the library. 

Norval Foundation is dedicated to modern and contemporary African art. Image: Norval Foundation 

AFRICAN ART MUSEUM IN CAPE TOWN 

Set beside a protected wetland, the museum was built to spotlight African artists and their work, a passion project of the Norval family. Every sculpture, exhibition, and educational initiative is designed to celebrate, preserve, and elevate African art and artists. 

The building itself is a work of art too, carefully designed to frame sweeping views of vineyards, mountains, and wetlands, while creating a quiet sanctuary in the sculpture garden. The foundation also protects indigenous plants and animals, weaving sustainability into its very design. 

Every sculpture, exhibition, and educational initiative is designed to celebrate, preserve, and elevate art. Image: Norval Foundation

INCREDIBLE EXHIBITIONS YOU CAN’T MISS 

There’s always something new to see at Norval, and right now, these four exhibitions are unmissable. 

Brett Murray’s Sculptural exhibition features enormous bronzed pieces, standing three to four metres tall, with brilliant attention to detail you’ll appreciate even if you’re new to the art scene (showcasing until 22 November 2026). 

In the smaller galleries, Sthenjwa Luthuli’s wood carvings showcase incredible craftsmanship (exhibiting until 10 January 2026), while the ceramics of Githaan Coopoo bring a different tactile dimension to the museum with large, striking vases (on until 4 October 2026). 

Another standout is We, the People: 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa. Look for Keiskamma Collective’s Altarpiece, which is a story-rich embroidered work from the Eastern Cape, created by women who were taught the skill to earn an income (showcasing until 23 November 2025). 

These are some of the exciting exhibitions at Norval. Image: Norval Foundation

HIDDEN SCULPTURE GARDEN   

The garden, which is dotted with indigenous flora, is filled with 14 sculptures placed to hide and reveal themselves as you wander. Some sculptures are permanent, while others change over time, so every visit feels fresh. 

Kids (and adults) will love how interactive it is. You can touch, climb, and engage with the sculptures. A favourite is Angus Taylor’s Holderstebolder, a sculpture of  a man laying on his back with his leg up, which has become a playful challenge for visitors trying to recreate the pose. 

Wind Sculpture (SG) III by Yinka Shonibare, a hand-painted work that captures the movement of wind in frozen fabric, is also a must-see. It’s the artist’s first permanent piece in Africa, symbolising the beauty and complexity of cultural identities.

Many miss the voice-guided map, which you can access when you scan QR codes on the sculptures as you move through the garden. 

The sculpture garden is interactive and ever-evolving. Image: Norval Foundation

ELEVATED PICNICS AMONG THE SCULPTURES 

Most also don’t realise that you can picnic in the sculpture garden every summer (October to April) with a basket from the sophisticated Grub & Vine Norval bistro. Their picnic baskets include treats like scotch eggs, cheeses, and a bottle of wine. 

Grub & Vine Norval has a seasonal menu and a beautiful indoor setting. There’s also a deck that overlooks the garden, so you can linger for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

Your picnic ticket gives you access to the garden and the museum’s exhibitions. It's a lovely way for people who might be a little intimidated by art to ease into the museum experience, often discovering the exhibitions on a stroll afterwards. 

You can picnic in the sculpture garden too. Image: Norval Foundation

PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN & TEACHERS 

Beyond its exhibitions and garden experiences, Norval Foundation also nurtures the next generation of artists through its Learning Centre.

Every school holiday, children can take part in the Holiday Art Club, a two-hour session where each day explores a different art form, from mixed media to acrylic painting. The March, June/July, October, December/January programmes last two weeks. 

While the kids are crafting, parents have access to a library space with wifi and a coffee station. Tickets cost R275 per child. You can book tickets for upcoming Holiday Arts Club and other Norval Foundation events on Webtickets. 

Additionally, the Learning Centre runs teacher workshops, such as using art as a healing tool in the classroom. These programmes aim to build creative thinking, problem-solving, and reflection skills in learners, while supporting teachers to bring art-based learning back to schools.

The Learning Centre focuses on educating children through art. Image: Norval Foundation

PARKING & MEMBERSHIP PERKS  

Norval Foundation is the kind of museum that begs to be visited again and again, and a membership is a budget-friendly way to make the most of it. There are two membership options: 

1. The Bronze Membership (R450) is for one person and gives you unlimited access to the exhibitions and Sculpture Garden for a whole year, plus free parking, invites to exhibition openings, and discounts on workshops and events. 

2. The Silver Membership (R800) gives the same perks for two people, and you’ll save R100. To become a member email info@norvalfoundation.org

Parking is just R20 for the full day, with security-controlled booms. There’s parking on the ground floor, which takes you straight to reception through the sculpture garden and café, and basement parking with lifts up to the ground and first floors. 

Parking is just R20 for the full day. Image: Norval Foundation

WINE ESTATES, EATERIES NEAR BY  

While Norval is a destination in itself, the surrounding Tokai and Constantia region has a few spots worth exploring too. You can start with lunch at Steenberg Estate; their seasonal menu is served in a vineyard setting just 2km away from Norval. 

Another popular choice is Klein Constantia, a slightly further drive (5km), where sushi and the estate’s famous ice cream comes with breathtaking vineyard views.

VISIT NORVAL FOUNDATION 

With world-class exhibitions, an interactive sculpture garden, elevated picnics, and more, Norval Foundation offers wonderful marvels that are ripe for exploration and discovery.  

Norval Foundation is open: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm; Sunday and public holidays, 10am to 4pm

Find it: 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai

Book: Via Webticket
Contact on: Norval Foundation’s website, @norvalfoundation

By Saarah Gierdien

---

GALLERIES, MUSEUMS & THINGS TO DO 

The gallery celebrating Khoisan heritage; Koena Art Institute 

Plus see 18 of Cape Town’s most moving museums.

There’s always 7+ things to do this weekend.

---

Loved discovering this?nbsp; Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.