Mount Nelson Unveils Three New Art Exhibitions

Mount Nelson Unveils Three Inspiring Art Exhibitions Across Its Historic Grounds

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town is once again celebrating its long-standing connection to art and culture with the launch of three major exhibitions that transform the iconic property into a vibrant creative destination.

For more than a century, the legendary hotel has welcomed artists, writers and cultural pioneers to its historic grounds. Today, that tradition continues through collaborations with some of South Africa‘s leading artists, galleries and cultural institutions, offering guests an immersive journey through fashion, sculpture and contemporary African art.

Reimagining History Through The Foreign Familiar

Presented at MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN, The Foreign Familiar explores how colonial objects have evolved into symbols of contemporary Southern African identity.

Co-curated by acclaimed fashion designer Thebe Magugu and Julia Buchanan, the exhibition examines objects, traditions and visual symbols inherited through colonial history and how they have been transformed into expressions of resilience, identity and cultural reclamation.

One of the exhibition’s highlights is a collaborative sculpture by Thebe Magugu and celebrated artist Mary Sibande, blending elegant Victorian-inspired silhouettes with iconic Basotho blanket textiles. The exhibition also features Sibande’s works on paper exploring Black interiority and imagination, alongside sculptural works by Wim Botha, whose fragmented forms challenge traditional Western art history.

The exhibition also connects with Magugu’s Mafeteng capsule collection, inspired by the rich heritage and symbolism of the Basotho blanket.

The Foreign Familiar forms part of MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN‘s ongoing quarterly exhibition programme that places contemporary African art alongside Magugu’s evolving fashion collections.

Interior Weather Brings Art Into Everyday Spaces

Curated by Carmen Joubert in collaboration with Norval Foundation, Interior Weather transforms Mount Nelson‘s elegant lounges, hallways, salons and patios into living gallery spaces.

Rather than confining artworks to traditional exhibition rooms, the collection invites visitors to experience art as part of the hotel’s atmosphere, where colour, texture and emotion shape every environment.

The exhibition spans six decades of African art and includes works by Kate Gottgens, Dada Khanyisa, Eddy Kamuanga Illunga and renowned South African modernist Ephraim Ngatane, creating moments of reflection throughout the hotel.

Goodman Gallery Creates an Outdoor Sculpture Experience

Mount Nelson‘s famous gardens have also been transformed through a year-long outdoor sculpture exhibition presented in collaboration with Goodman Gallery.

Designed as a sculpture trail, the exhibition encourages guests to discover artworks while strolling through the hotel’s lush gardens.

Among the standout installations is Yinka Shonibare’s Fabric Bronze II, an elegant bronze sculpture that appears suspended in motion. Visitors will also encounter sculptural works by William Kentridge, whose celebrated drawing practice is translated into striking three-dimensional bronze forms featuring branches, animals and vessels.

Additional highlights include Walter Oltmann’s Carpobrotus (2026), inspired by indigenous coastal fynbos and crafted from woven anodised aluminium, alongside Ghada Amer’s sculptural works that transform flowing Arabic script into intricate artistic structures.

A Celebration of Cape Town’s Creative Spirit

“Mount Nelson is a big part of Cape Town’s cultural story,”.

says General Manager Patrick Fisher

“Through collaborations with institutions and artists shaping the continent’s creative landscape, we continue to open our spaces to meaningful dialogue and discovery.”

The three exhibitions reflect Belmond’s continued commitment to blending luxury hospitality with meaningful cultural experiences, offering guests opportunities to engage with contemporary African creativity throughout their stay.

Visitors can experience all three exhibitions during ARTROUTE’s complimentary weekly art tours, held every Thursday at 17:00, where specialist Art and Design guides provide deeper insight into the stories and artists behind each collection.

Interior Weather and the Goodman Gallery sculpture exhibition remain on display until February 2027, while The Foreign Familiar at MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN runs until 27 August 2026 and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.