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The Pretoria Art Museum was established to house the City Council of Pretoria’s art collection, which was originally housed in the Pretoria City Hall. The collection had grown dramatically after a bequest by Lady Michaelis in 1932, which included many paintings by 17th century Dutch artists.
Most of the Art Museum’s collection, however, consists of South African artists, concentrating on both traditional and contemporary art forms and techniques. The Pretoria Art Museum’s collection includes works of painting, sculpture, textiles, photographic art and many others.
Construction on the current building – a long, flat, glass structure in the heart of Arcadia Park in Pretoria - was started in 1962 and inaugurated in 1964. Numerous upgrades and renovations have been undertaken, and the building now presents world-class exhibition halls.
The Pretoria Art Museum should be visited often, since many temporary exhibitions are arranged annually and the permanent collection is often rearranged thematically. National and international traveling art exhibitions are also hosted.
The art museum welcomes everyone, young and old to enjoy its facilities for purposes of study, education and enjoyment. The Information Centre within the art museum makes research material about art available to all visitors. A children’s gallery provides a fun and interactive learning area which introduces children to the basic concepts of art.
Entrance and guided tours are reasonably priced. The Pretoria Art Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday each week.
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