Norval Foundation
Norval Foundation
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Norval Foundation is a centre for art and cultural expression. We are dedicated to the research, exhibition and education of 20th- and 21st-century visual art from South Africa and beyond. Located in the Steenberg area of Cape Town, Norval Foundation combines the experience of art with an appreciation for nature. Our Sculpture Garden, outdoor amphitheatre, purpose-built exhibition spaces and research library are situated in a unique setting that offers visitors a multi-sensory experience. This is complemented by the Skotnes Restaurant and Bar, a bespoke shop, and a children’s play area. The Skotnes Restaurant is the culinary arm of the Norval Foundation and is named after the legendary South African artist and teacher Cecil Skotnes. Last admission into the museum is half an hour before closing, at 16:30.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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Popular mentions
4.5
104 reviews
Excellent
61
Very good
28
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Hirene
Morningside, South Africa387 contributions
Feb 2020
This brand new Art Gallery opened a year ago and is dedicated to the works of African artists. The building itself is worthy of note although the parking is hopelessly inadequate to cope with hordes that visit the place. So we chose to go early afternoon and solved that problem. We spent almost two hours at the William Kentridge retrospective and I think his work is magnificently displayed. There is a large hall upstairs dedicated to works from a private collector and it too is fascinating. The Restaurant is named for Cecil Skotnes and if you know where to look you may see one of his larger works on display. The restaurant is beautiful with views over the Sculpture Garden not that the large works there impressed me, but then they are perhaps "fun"! All in all we spent a thoroughly pleasant four hours including
a late lunch.
a late lunch.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Hirene,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us - without you we would have no one to create memories with, it is our absolute pleasure to host you!
We hope to see you again soon!
Team Norval Foundation
Written March 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CuriousMeerkatjie
Cape Town, South Africa472 contributions
Sep 2021
Stunning setting close to the mountain. I enjoyed the fynbos which was flowering at the time and the birdlife. We had lunch at Skotnes. I can recommend the White fish starter, Bobotie and Chocolate Fondant. The restaurant is airy and the views exquisite - a great choice on a day when it could rain.
We had a lovely time and will be back.
Entry to the garden is R120 and R20 will be added to your bill for parking. The restaurant is reasonably priced.
We had a lovely time and will be back.
Entry to the garden is R120 and R20 will be added to your bill for parking. The restaurant is reasonably priced.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cleo
Cape Town Central, South Africa12 contributions
Sep 2020
We had lunch with friends at the restaurant first and visited the museum afterwards. Corona protocol is very much followed in both, restaurant and museum. The meal was good, the service friendly. The registration in the museum was a bit complicated, with only us, it was fine, but with more people visiting, this might take a long time. We enjoyed the 2 exhibitions. A bonus will be if there is sign, where to access the garden, which is a must to visit. All in all: a beautiful afternoon.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian14_11
Welwyn Garden City, UK192 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We visited on our last day in the Steenberg hotel. Even after checking out they took us there an brought us back on one of the hotel cars which was convenient.
Indoors there was a stunning exhibition of the sculptures of William Kentridge and art work by Michael Armitage, as well as other Works. The main room is well lit and was well laid out.
In addition there is a sculpture garden with some really good pieces.
It is not cheap at 180 rand but well worth it.
Indoors there was a stunning exhibition of the sculptures of William Kentridge and art work by Michael Armitage, as well as other Works. The main room is well lit and was well laid out.
In addition there is a sculpture garden with some really good pieces.
It is not cheap at 180 rand but well worth it.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your visit, we hope to see you again soon!
Written March 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
graham e
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa370 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
The quality of the Norval foundations offering is world class. The facility and its internal decor and the garden is worth seeing alone THEN off course the Art on exhibit is quite mind mind blowing
Kentridge takes us older SA generation right back into the " tragedy" that was S AFRICA .
It's a must see
The other artists are always shown in a stunning manner
The shop is a MUST visit.
The people are ALL world class
A few hours in shop and garden is a must!!
Yesterday was the first Thursday and we lucked out with a free day !
Do visit The Norval Foundation .
See under a separate review see The Skotnes Restaurant
Kentridge takes us older SA generation right back into the " tragedy" that was S AFRICA .
It's a must see
The other artists are always shown in a stunning manner
The shop is a MUST visit.
The people are ALL world class
A few hours in shop and garden is a must!!
Yesterday was the first Thursday and we lucked out with a free day !
Do visit The Norval Foundation .
See under a separate review see The Skotnes Restaurant
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming to visit us, Grahame943!
Written March 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pioneer577172
41 contributions
Jan 2020
Hidden in the grape vine groves en route to Muzenberg this delightful museum is an absolute must. A complete refreshing surprise. No one talks about it, but it is as good as any international museum. The modern building is beautifully appointed and they have a delightful collection. The setting is glorious and each exhibit is well explained. There was an amazing Kentridge exhibition, predominantly sculptures. To add to the experience there are extensive gardens filled with fun and user friendly sculptures and packed with beautiful local plants and trees. A delight to walk in the dappled shade and see the museum and the grape vines from very many perspectives. To top it off there is a restaurant at the end of the grounds with vast wooden patio. We stopped for a coffee and were tempted with the lunch menu. To or delight and surprise we had one of the finest cooked meals we had in the whole city. I would put this on the must do list.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Pioneer577172,
Thank you kindly for your patronage - we are proud to have been able to offer you a memorable experience. We will continue to host exhibitions of an international standard, set in the beauty of the Western Cape, and we hope to be able to welcome you back very soon!
All the best,
Team Norval Foundation
Written January 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
23RUN
Nottingham, UK524 contributions
Apr 2022
I thought the exhibition of South African Black Women's Art, called "When Rain Clouds Gather" was great, such a variety of brilliant pieces. Seeing the years since 1940 through a black woman's eyes was fascinating and moving. I would highly recommend. Don't believe any people who tell you "it's not for us" as a white South African woman did, making wrong assumptions about us, it is absolutely for everyone and well worth seeking out.
The Irma Stern exhibition had some really good portraits. A particular highlight was the Sculpture Garden, which is a beautiful space, so well planted and maintained, with great sculpture around.
There's also a restaurant/cafe and bar area, and the almond cake was excellent!
The Irma Stern exhibition had some really good portraits. A particular highlight was the Sculpture Garden, which is a beautiful space, so well planted and maintained, with great sculpture around.
There's also a restaurant/cafe and bar area, and the almond cake was excellent!
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara O
Boston, MA285 contributions
Sep 2022
While in Cape Town, I took an Uber out to the Norval Foundation museum. I’m so glad I did, as it is in a beautiful building, well curated art exhibitions and includes a sculpture garden. I particularly enjoyed the exhibition Black South African Women Artists, 1940 – 2000. It is easy to get an Uber there and back as it is near the Consulate General of the United States.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herbert
Cape Town Central, South Africa45 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
A must for art lovers. South African and African art. At present a collection of paintings by, inter alia, Alex Preller. Three galaries, a library, outdoor garden exibition and good restaurant. Beautiful setting in the Steenberg wetland. Architectural delight.
Written March 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charise C
Cape Town, South Africa219 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
I really expected more compared to other sculpture gardens. I think this place is overpriced for the overall experience. Only a few sculptures in the garden which are randomly placed "somewhere", one get the feeling that there was no plan in place and the sculptures were just dropped anywhere with no information on the art pieces. I spent 30 mins max both inside the museum and outside in the garden. The securities were friendly. Don't forget to pay your parking at the restaurant or at reception.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If we visit the restaurant do we pay an entrance fee.
Written February 14, 2019
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