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The much-anticipated light festival, LUMENOCITY, has opened in the company gardens, and we had a first look at this limited event taking place this weekend!
Designed and created entirely by South African artists, LUMENOCITY showcases a stunning mix of light-based art and immersive creative technology in over 20 large-scale installations. These unique exhibits are being projected across the South African Museum and National Gallery, creating glowing pathways and illuminated trees as part of an ambient exhibition of colour, encouraging visitors to move, touch, explore and play.
Visitors will encounter a series of immersive artworks including:
- Yay Abe - a signature projection artwork exploring motion, rhythm and light
- ThingKing - a hanging installation at the intersection of art and technology
- Magpie Collective - an interactive light environment visitors can step into
- Water Dixon - a large-scale architectural lighting installation
- Walter Ritson & Brad Baard - walk-through sculptural light structures
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The event also features a range of food trucks and bar areas to grab a bite and a drink while you wander, making it the perfect way to get out and explore this historic part of the city this weekend.
The surprising history of the Company's Garden
Cemented in history books, the Company's Garden was founded in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck as a practical food garden for the Dutch East India Company's refreshment station. Essentially, what began as a working patch supplying passing ships with fresh produce is now the historic backdrop to this inaugural festival of light.
The garden is dotted with notable landmarks, including South Africa’s oldest cultivated pear tree (dating back to 1652), a central sundial from 1781, an 1842 well with a handpump set into an oak tree, and memorial features such as the Delville Wood Garden and a historic bell from 1855.
This layered past all points to the garden's evolving relevance as the public green space it is today. Read more about the Mother City's landmark parks here.
Need to know details:
Dates: 09 - 12 April 2026
Location: The Company’s Garden
Ticket pricing: R200 per adult, R150 for individuals under the age of 16 - book via Quicket.
Want to experience more cool events like this in the Mother City? Check out our weekend guide to the Best things to do in Cape Town this weekend.