Why Johannesburg is Africa’s Art Hub: A Guide to the Best Historic Galleries & Street Art

Exploring Johannesburg’s vibrant art scene from historic galleries to street murals

The Beating Heart of African Creativity

Johannesburg’s cultural resurgence is on full display across the city. Historic galleries like the Johannesburg Art Gallery and Everard Read stand alongside cutting-edge spaces like the Wits Art Museum – together making Jozi a top African art destination. Street art has transformed entire districts (especially Maboneng, Braamfontein and Newtown) into open-air exhibitions. Major events like the FNB Art Joburg Fair add to the city’s vibrant artistic appeal.

1. World-Class Historic Galleries That Define Jozi’s Artistic Legacy

Wits Art Museum (WAM) – Africa Through the Ages

Located in Braamfontein, WAM holds over 12,000 pieces of African art, making it one of the most significant collections on the continent. This modern university museum showcases everything from ancient artefacts to contemporary African works.

Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) – A Timeless Treasure

Situated in Joubert Park, JAG is over a century old and houses more than 9,000 works. As sub-Saharan Africa’s largest public gallery, it features international icons like Picasso and Monet alongside South African legends like Pierneef and Sekoto.

Everard Read Gallery – Africa’s Oldest Commercial Gallery

Established in 1913 in Rosebank, Everard Read remains a leading space for South African contemporary artists. Its adjacent CIRCA Gallery offers an architectural marvel filled with avant-garde installations.

2. The City as Canvas: Where Street Art Tells Stories

Maboneng Precinct – Jozi’s Urban Street Art Playground

Meaning “Place of Light” in Sesotho, Maboneng is a redeveloped industrial zone filled with over 50 murals. This district boasts murals, cafes, design shops and studios—making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Joburg.

Braamfontein – Youthful, Edgy, Expressive

Just over the Mandela Bridge, Braamfontein is buzzing with street art, live music and student culture. Kalashnikovv Gallery and WAM call this district home. Here, art isn’t only curated—it’s lived and breathed.

Newtown – Murals with a Mission

This downtown precinct has long celebrated the arts, from theatre to public murals. Alleyways come alive with graffiti and bold colours, capturing Jozi’s energy and resilience.

3. Local Artists Leading a Cultural Revival

Faith XLVII – The Soul of Public Art

One of South Africa’s most acclaimed street artists, Faith XLVII began painting in Joburg’s abandoned buildings. She sees street art as a tool for social dialogue, rooted deeply in South African identity.

Dbongz – Painting Hope Into the Skyline

Known for massive portrait murals across the CBD, Dbongz believes that “colour brings life.” His works transform derelict buildings into symbols of hope and pride for inner-city residents.

4. Events That Celebrate Johannesburg’s Creative Pulse

FNB Art Joburg – Africa’s Premier Art Fair

Held every September in Sandton, this fair attracts galleries from across Africa and the globe. It’s a showcase of African excellence in painting, photography, sculpture and more.

Pop-Up Exhibits & Cultural Festivals

Joburg also thrives on grassroots events—First Thursdays, Newtown Now! and public mural projects by platforms like BAZ-ART. These smaller happenings energise the scene and keep the city’s art conversation fresh.

5. Why Joburg? Voices from the Art World

Gallery owner Mark Read puts it best: “Our country is a canvas that’s endlessly changing and evolving—that’s why our artists have so much to say.” In Johannesburg, this evolution is tangible—from gallery walls to street corners.

Street artist Dbongz adds, “Jozi used to be dull, mundane—but now, because of colour and lively murals, people start seeing it as a place they can go into.” These voices echo what every creative in Johannesburg feels: that the city is not just a place to show art, but a place that inspires it.

Johannesburg – A Living, Breathing Work of Art

From the refined walls of the Johannesburg Art Gallery to the electrified alleys of Maboneng, Johannesburg fuses tradition with rebellion, gallery prestige with street authenticity. It’s not just Africa’s art hub—it’s a city that lives through its art. Whether you’re a collector, an admirer or a first-time visitor, Jozi is ready to dazzle your senses.

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