Following a total development duration of four years, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in South Africa was completed, in September 2017. The R500 million project included the re-development of an approximately 100-year-old historic grain silo.
The facility is right at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. It includes 6,000 sq meters of exhibition space in 80 gallery spaces, a rooftop sculpture garden, and state-of-the-art storage and conservation areas. In addition, it has a bookshop, a restaurant, a bar, and reading rooms as well as Centres for a Costume Institute, Photography, Curatorial Excellence, the Moving Image, Performative Practice, and Art Education.
The Zeitz Museum Project’s conceptualization was by the V&A Waterfront. The firm made a not-for-profit partnership with Jochen Zeitz, a German business entrepreneur. Additionally, its concept was in consultation with Heatherwick Studio, a London-based company. The project’s concept also included South African architects.
Reported in Jun 2014
South Africa’s US$46.54m Zeitz Museum to be completed in 2016
The Waterfront’s historical grain silos in Cape Town will undergo an approximately, US$46.54m transformation into a permanent home of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). At the official groundbreaking recently, the V&A said that the local partners will work alongside British designer Thomas Heatherwick’s team.
Zeitz MOCAA will introduce Category A climate control in the galleries. The technology has been endorsed by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and is used in international galleries such as Pompdiou Metz, Pulitzer, and Paul Klee.
The technology offers the highest level of protection to a collection and is the most advanced climate control technology available at present. It will allow MOCAA to exhibit any piece of art, no matter how fragile.
Also Read: Construction of Eskom’s 1st battery energy storage in Elandskop, South Africa, begins
WBHO is the project’s lead construction contractor. For the past year and a half, they’ve had to test a complex construction process, as well as the feasibility of the design elements in this process.
MACE is the Principal Agent and Project Manager. Sutherland and Arup are the appointed structural engineers. Meanwhile, Francis Archer from Arup London will lend his expertise to the technically challenging project. MLC is the quantity surveyor.
From Drawing Board To Vision
Van Der Merwe Miszewski (VDMMA), Rick Brown Associates (RBA), and Jacobs Parker are the three local architectural firms that will assist in bringing the innovative project to life. Jacobs Parker will be responsible for the Museum fit-out.
WBHO, MACE, Van Der Merwe Miszewski and Rick Brown Associates have all previously done work together as the team behind the 6-star Green Star SA Design rated No. 1 Silo and the 4-star Green Star rated No. 2 Silo buildings, adjacent to the Grain Silo complex.
“This is a particularly momentous occasion for us as the dream we began so long is finally leaving the drawing board to become a reality. We are confident that we have the right team in place to bring the silo to life again and do justice to our vision” said David Green, V&A Waterfront CEO.
Construction on the Grain Silo complex is due for completion by late 2016. Zeitz MOCAA is expected to take occupancy in November 2016. While the museum’s official opening for the public will be in February 2017.
The project is right in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor. Moreover, it is within a stone’s throw from the Cape Town Stadium with the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, the Victoria, and Alfred Waterfront. It offers the visitor an abundance of unforgettable experiences.
Indoor shopping and entertainment venues seamlessly merge with ocean vistas and mountain views. Additionally, the fresh sea breeze and warm African sun add zest to a cosmopolitan, vibrant atmosphere. More than 80 restaurants bring a fusion of international food, from rustic al fresco fish and chips to starched tablecloth cuisine.
