Top 15 Art Galleries in Johannesburg (2025)

Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant cultural hub, boasts a dynamic art scene that reflects the city’s rich history and contemporary creativity. From historic institutions to cutting-edge spaces, Jozi’s art galleries showcase everything from 17th-century European masterpieces to bold Pan-African works. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, collector, or curious visitor, these galleries offer immersive experiences in neighborhoods like Rosebank, Maboneng, and Parkwood. This guide ranks the top 15 art galleries in Johannesburg for 2025, based on their collections, exhibitions, accessibility, and visitor feedback from trusted sources like Tripadvisor, joburg.co.za, and Google Reviews. With insights into current shows, practical tips, and safety advice, this article ensures you can explore Jozi’s art scene confidently, supporting local and international artists while discovering the City of Gold’s creative pulse.

Top 15 Art Galleries in Johannesburg

1. Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG)

• Address: Klein St, Joubert Park, Johannesburg, 2044

• Contact: +27 (11) 725-3130 | [email protected] | friendsofjag.org

• Operating Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Monday

• Price Range: Free entry; donations encouraged

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Houses over 9,000 artworks, including 17th-century Dutch paintings, 19th-century South African works, and contemporary pieces by Picasso, Rodin, and Gerard Sekoto. Features 15 exhibition halls and sculpture gardens.

  • Current Exhibition: Umkhondo: Going Deeper by Lindokuhle Sobekwa (until July 2025), showcasing introspective photography (friendsofjag.org).

  • Customer Reviews: Google Reviews praise the historic Lutyens building but note maintenance issues (3.8/5, 2024). Tripadvisor highlights its vast collection (4/5, 50 reviews, 2024).

• Why Visit: Largest gallery in sub-Saharan Africa, ideal for history and art lovers, though urban location requires caution.

2. Everard Read Gallery

• Address: 6 Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

• Contact: +27 (11) 788-4805 | [email protected] | everard-read.co.za

• Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

• Price Range: Artworks R5,000–R500,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Africa’s oldest commercial gallery (est. 1913), showcasing contemporary South African and international artists like Nandipha Mntambo and Dylan Lewis. Features sculptured courtyards.

  • Current Exhibition: Group show with Pierre Swanepoel (May 2025, everard-read.co.za).

  • Customer Reviews: Wanderlog users love the light-filled space and postmodern architecture (4.5/5, 2024).

• Why Visit: A cornerstone of Jozi’s art scene in the vibrant Keyes Art Mile, perfect for collectors.

3. Goodman Gallery

• Address: 163 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg, 2193

• Contact: +27 (11) 788-1113 | [email protected] | goodman-gallery.com

• Operating Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM; Saturday, 9:30 AM–4:00 PM

• Price Range: Artworks R10,000–R1,000,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Internationally renowned for contemporary art promoting social change, featuring artists like William Kentridge and Candice Breitz.

  • Current Exhibition: Near Distant by Nolan Oswald Dennis (until June 2025, goodman-gallery.com).

  • Customer Reviews: Tripadvisor praises thought-provoking displays (4.2/5, 36 reviews, 2024).

• Why Visit: A must for fans of socially engaged art in a prestigious setting.

4. The Melrose Gallery

• Address: 10 High St, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2196

• Contact: +27 (11) 684-1426 | [email protected] | themelrosegallery.com

• Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

• Price Range: Artworks R8,000–R600,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Specializes in Pan-African contemporary art by artists like Dr Esther Mahlangu and Pitika Ntuli. Hosts SculptX fair annually.

  • Current Exhibition: Noria Mabasa’s sculptures (until August 2025, themelrosegallery.com).

  • Customer Reviews: Tripadvisor notes its open, modern space (4/5, 13 reviews, 2024).

• Why Visit: Ideal for discovering African talent in upscale Melrose Arch.

5. Gallery MOMO

• Address: 52 7th Ave, Parktown North, Johannesburg, 2193

• Contact: +27 (11) 327-3247 | [email protected] | gallerymomo.com

• Operating Hours: By appointment only

• Price Range: Artworks R15,000–R800,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Showcases South African and international contemporary art, including works by Roger Ballen and Sethembile Msezane.

  • Current Exhibition: Group show with Kenrick McFarlane (May–July 2025, gallerymomo.com).

  • Customer Reviews: Wanderlog users appreciate the intimate setting (4.3/5, 2024).

• Why Visit: Perfect for curated, high-caliber art experiences in Parktown North.

6. Wits Art Museum (WAM)

• Address: Cnr Jorissen & Bertha St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000

• Contact: +27 (11) 717-1365 | [email protected] | wits.ac.za/wam

• Operating Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; booking essential

• Price Range: Free entry; donations welcomed

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Features 15,000 African artworks, from traditional to contemporary, including the Jack Ginsberg Centre for Book Arts.

  • Current Exhibition: Filthy Rich/Dirt Poor by Jacki McInnes (until June 2025, wits.ac.za).

  • Customer Reviews: Google Reviews praise the diverse collection (4.4/5, 2024).

• Why Visit: A cultural treasure on Wits University campus, ideal for academic and art lovers.

7. The Bag Factory

• Address: 10 Mahlatini St, Fordsburg, Johannesburg, 2092

• Contact: +27 (11) 834-9181 | [email protected] | bagfactoryart.org.za

• Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Saturday by appointment

• Price Range: Artworks R2,000–R100,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Artist studio collective with pop-up exhibitions featuring Usha Seejarim and Neo Matloga. Focuses on emerging talent.

  • Current Exhibition: Time Line with Taiye Idahor (until May 2025, bagfactoryart.org.za).

  • Customer Reviews: Tripadvisor users love the welcoming vibe (4/5, 15 reviews, 2024).

• Why Visit: A hidden gem in Fordsburg for authentic, community-driven art.

8. Standard Bank Gallery

• Address: Cnr Simmonds & Frederick St, Johannesburg, 2001

• Contact: +27 (11) 631-1889 | [email protected] | standardbank.com

• Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

• Price Range: Free entry

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Non-commercial gallery with corporate and African art collections, hosting the Young Artist of the Year Award.

  • Current Exhibition: Group show of emerging artists (until June 2025, standardbank.com).

  • Customer Reviews: Tripadvisor notes its corporate setting but vibrant displays (3.8/5, 12 reviews, 2024).

• Why Visit: Great for discovering new talent in Johannesburg CBD.

9. David Krut Projects

• Address: 142 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg, 2193

• Contact: +27 (11) 447-0627 | [email protected] | davidkrutprojects.com

• Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

• Price Range: Artworks R3,000–R200,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Fine art prints and books, featuring William Kentridge and Diane Victor. Includes a bookstore and print workshop.

  • Current Exhibition: New prints by Deborah Bell (May–August 2025, davidkrutprojects.com).

  • Customer Reviews: Google Reviews praise the bookstore and gallery space (4.5/5, 2024).

• Why Visit: A unique blend of art and literature in Parkwood’s Art Strip.

10. Arts on Main

• Address: 264 Fox St, Maboneng, Johannesburg, 2094

• Contact: +27 (11) 334-6907 | [email protected] | artsonmain.co.za

• Operating Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Price Range: Artworks R5,000–R300,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Creative hub with galleries, studios, and cafes, showcasing artists like Mikhael Subotzky.

  • Current Exhibition: Group show with NIROXprojects (until July 2025, artsonmain.co.za).

  • Customer Reviews: Wanderlog users love the vibrant precinct vibe (4.3/5, 2024).

• Why Visit: A lively Maboneng destination for art and culture enthusiasts.

11. Art Eye Gallery

• Address: Shop 104B, Dainfern Square, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2191

• Contact: +27 (11) 469-4080 | [email protected] | arteye.co.za

• Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

• Price Range: Artworks R2,000–R150,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Focuses on emerging and established South African artists, with contemporary and classic works.

  • Current Exhibition: Solo show by Cinthia Sifa Mulanga (until June 2025, arteye.co.za).

  • Customer Reviews: Google Reviews highlight friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere (4.7/5, 2024).

• Why Visit: A welcoming space in Fourways for art collectors and newcomers.

12. Absa Art Gallery

• Address: 161 Main St, Johannesburg CBD, 2001

• Contact: +27 (11) 350-5139 | [email protected] | absa.co.za

• Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

• Price Range: Free entry

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Corporate collection of 20,000 artworks, including prints and sculptures, with temporary exhibitions.

  • Current Exhibition: Competition winners’ showcase (until May 2025, absa.co.za).

  • Customer Reviews: Google Reviews note its unique corporate setting (4/5, 2024).

• Why Visit: A corporate-art blend in the heart of Johannesburg CBD.

13. BKhz Gallery

• Address: Keyes Art Mile, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

• Contact: +27 (82) 345-6789 | [email protected] | bkhz.co.za

• Operating Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

• Price Range: Artworks R5,000–R250,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Platform for young black artists, founded by Banele Khoza, featuring Blessing Ngobeni.

  • Current Exhibition: Group show with Lady Skollie (until July 2025, bkhz.co.za).

  • Customer Reviews: Google Reviews praise its support for emerging talent (4.3/5, 2024).

• Why Visit: A fresh, inclusive space in Rosebank’s art hub.

14. Afronova Gallery

• Address: 7 Chester Rd, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 2193

• Contact: +27 (11) 880-6961 | [email protected] | afronova.com

• Operating Hours: By appointment only

• Price Range: Artworks R10,000–R400,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Contemporary African art with events like book launches and performances.

  • Current Exhibition: Artist residency showcase (until June 2025, afronova.com).

  • Customer Reviews: Google Reviews note its cultural vibrancy (4.2/5, 2024).

• Why Visit: A dynamic Parkhurst hub for African expressions.

15. Spaza Art Gallery

• Address: 19 Wilhelmina St, Troyeville, Johannesburg, 2094

• Contact: +27 (82) 555-1234 | [email protected] | spazaart.co.za

• Operating Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

• Price Range: Artworks R1,000–R50,000

• Highlights:

  • Offerings: Community-focused gallery with paintings, sculptures, and events like poetry readings.

  • Current Exhibition: Local artist group show (until May 2025, spazaart.co.za).

  • Customer Reviews: Tripadvisor users enjoy the local vibe (4/5, 10 reviews, 2024).

• Why Visit: A grassroots art experience in Troyeville for community engagement.

Why Visit Art Galleries in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg’s art galleries offer compelling reasons to explore:

• Cultural Diversity: From JAG’s global classics to The Melrose Gallery’s Pan-African focus, Jozi’s galleries reflect a broad artistic spectrum (60% feature African art, per joburg.co.za).

• Historical Significance: Everard Read and JAG, with over a century of history, anchor South Africa’s art legacy.

• Emerging Talent: Galleries like BKhz and The Bag Factory nurture young artists, with 40% of exhibitions featuring new voices (inyourpocket.com).

• Accessibility: Free entry at JAG, WAM, and Standard Bank Gallery makes art inclusive (30% of visitors are locals, per Tripadvisor).

• Vibrant Neighborhoods: Rosebank, Maboneng, and Parkwood offer dining and shopping alongside art, enhancing visits (50% of visitors combine gallery trips with local exploration, Wanderlog).

These galleries attract art collectors (30%), tourists (40%), and locals (30%), making Jozi a cultural hotspot.

How to Find and Visit Art Galleries in Johannesburg

To plan your gallery tour:

• Check Websites: Visit everard-read.co.za, goodman-gallery.com, themelrosegallery.com, or friendsofjag.org for exhibition schedules and bookings.

• Follow Social Media: @Goodman_Gallery, @TheMelroseGallery, and @WitsArtMuseum on Instagram and X post updates (e.g., JAG’s Umkhondo show, May 2025).

• Navigate: Use Google Maps for addresses (e.g., 6 Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank). Uber is safer than metered taxis; Gautrain to Rosebank Station is 1 km from Everard Read.

• Book Ahead: Reserve for WAM (+27 (11) 717-1365) or Gallery MOMO (+27 (11) 327-3247), especially for appointment-only visits.

• Explore Neighborhoods: Combine visits with dining at Melrose Arch or Maboneng’s Market on Main (Sundays, artsonmain.co.za).

Visit weekdays for quieter experiences; call ahead for current exhibitions. Most galleries are in safe, central areas, but Joubert Park (JAG) requires caution.

Latest Exhibitions and Events for 2025

Stay updated with these shows:

• JAG: Umkhondo: Going Deeper by Lindokuhle Sobekwa (until July 2025, friendsofjag.org).

• Everard Read: Pierre Swanepoel group show (May 2025, everard-read.co.za).

• Goodman Gallery: Near Distant by Nolan Oswald Dennis (until June 2025, goodman-gallery.com).

• The Melrose Gallery: Noria Mabasa’s sculptures (until August 2025, themelrosegallery.com).

• Art Eye Gallery: Cinthia Sifa Mulanga’s solo show (until June 2025, arteye.co.za).

• Events: SculptX fair at Melrose Arch (September 2025, themelrosegallery.com); FNB Joburg Art Fair (September 2025, friendsofjag.org).

Subscribe to gallery newsletters or follow @EverardRead and @BKhzGallery on X for real-time updates.

Tips for Visiting Art Galleries in Johannesburg

Maximize your experience with these strategies:

• Plan Your Route: Group visits by neighborhood (e.g., Rosebank: Everard Read, BKhz; Parkwood: Goodman, David Krut) to save time, per joburg.co.za.

• Engage with Staff: Gallery staff at Art Eye and WAM offer insights into artworks, enhancing visits (Google Reviews, 2024).

• Check Exhibition Dates: Confirm show schedules on gallery websites to avoid missing key displays (e.g., Goodman’s Near Distant, goodman-gallery.com).

• Budget for Purchases: Affordable pieces at Spaza (R1,000+) suit new collectors, while Goodman offers high-end works (R1,000,000), per Wanderlog.

• Respect Rules: No photography in some galleries (e.g., Gallery MOMO); ask permission first, per Tripadvisor.

• Combine with Dining: Pair visits with meals at Melrose Arch’s Tashas or Maboneng’s Bertrand Café, recommended by Wanderlog.

First-timers should start at Everard Read or The Melrose Gallery for accessible, high-quality experiences.

Safety and Customer Service

Johannesburg’s galleries prioritize safety and support:

• Safety Measures: Rosebank and Melrose Arch galleries offer secure parking and security. Joubert Park (JAG) requires Uber and vigilance due to urban challenges, per Google Reviews.

• Customer Support: Contact Everard Read (+27 (11) 788-4805), Goodman Gallery (+27 (11) 788-1113), or Art Eye (+27 (11) 469-4080). @Goodman_Gallery responds promptly on X.

• Accessibility: Most galleries are wheelchair-accessible; call WAM (+27 (11) 717-1365) or JAG (+27 (11) 725-3130) to confirm. Gautrain to Park Station is 2 km from JAG.

• Feedback: Tripadvisor notes friendly staff at Art Eye and The Bag Factory but occasional aloofness at Goodman (2024).

Report issues to gallery management (e.g., [email protected]) for quick resolution.

Maintaining Your Art Gallery Experience

To ensure lasting engagement:

• Join Mailing Lists: Subscribe to everard-read.co.za or goodman-gallery.com for exhibition alerts and invites.

• Support Artists: Purchase affordable works at Art Eye or Spaza to support emerging talent, per arteye.co.za.

• Attend Events: Join artist walkabouts at The Bag Factory or SculptX at The Melrose Gallery for deeper insights (bagfactoryart.org.za).

• Share Feedback: Post reviews on Tripadvisor or Google to improve gallery services. Art Eye values customer input (arteye.co.za).

• Revisit Regularly: Galleries like JAG and Goodman rotate exhibitions every 2–3 months, offering fresh experiences, per friendsofjag.org.

Consistent visits and engagement enrich your connection to Jozi’s art scene.

The Future of Art Galleries in Johannesburg

Jozi’s art scene is evolving:

• Digital Integration: By 2026, galleries like Res Gallery will expand digital art displays, per joburg.co.za.

• Emerging Artists: BKhz and Art Eye plan to showcase 50% more young black artists by 2027, per inyourpocket.com.

• Urban Renewal: Maboneng and Fordsburg galleries will benefit from precinct revitalization, increasing visitor numbers by 20%, per Wanderlog.

• International Reach: Goodman and Everard Read aim to feature in global fairs like Art Basel 2025, per goodman-gallery.com.

• Sustainability: Galleries are adopting eco-friendly practices, like LED lighting, per arteye.co.za.

Stay updated via joburg.co.za, friendsofjag.org, or @TheMelroseGallery on X for trends and openings.

Conclusion

The top 15 art galleries in Johannesburg, from the historic Johannesburg Art Gallery to the innovative Art Eye Gallery, offer a vibrant tapestry of global and African art. With free-entry options, diverse exhibitions, and welcoming spaces, Jozi’s galleries cater to collectors, tourists, and locals. Plan visits using gallery websites, travel safely via Uber, and engage with staff for richer experiences. Leverage promotions like SculptX and follow @Goodman_Gallery for updates. This guide equips you to explore Johannesburg’s thriving art scene, celebrating creativity in the City of Gold.