Celebrated artist Irma Stern made headlines for two distinct reasons last week. Firstly, her 1946 portrait titled ‘Malay’ (Black Headdress) was sold for R21.7 million at a Strauss & Co. auction.
Pioneering modernist expressionist painting in South Africa, Stern was considered one of the country’s most valuable artists. The sale of the rare artwork sets a new African record for a Stern portrait of a female sitter.
View this post on Instagram
But as the art world celebrated the rousing legacy of the North-West born doyen, the museum founded in her honour announced its closure on Friday, 31 October 2025.
“For 56 years, the museum has been a cherished cultural landmark, welcoming generations of members of the UCT community as well as local and international visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant artistry of one of South Africa’s most celebrated painters.
“Now, in the spirit of Irma Stern’s own adventurous nature, the collection will be embarking on a new journey,” said an official statement. A vibrant and inclusive space on Cape Town’s art scene, the Irma Stern Museum was Stern’s former home and studio.
Jointly managed and operated by the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Irma Stern Trust, the museum housed the ‘Irma Stern Trust Collection’, an eclectic assortment of artefacts and furniture she collected over the years.
That collaboration now seems to be in question as both parties “have jointly agreed to conclude their long-standing partnership.” The transition entails relocating the collection from The Firs, her historic home and the current site of the museum.
What we know so far
According to UCT Chair of Council Norman Arendse, the museum was established at The Firs in terms of a Memorandum of Agreement entered into between UCT and the Irma Stern Trust (now administered by Nedgroup Trust) in 1969.
The property is owned by UCT, and the artworks and other items are owned by the Trust.
“Both parties expressed the desire to terminate their relationship in relation to the museum for operational reasons,” noted Arendse. “The Trust is seeking an alternative, bigger venue to host the museum and the collection.”
When Time Out Cape Town enquired about possible plans for the museum’s new location, UCT Communication and Marketing Department spokesperson Elijah Moholola said, “We are regrettably not in a position to comment further on the matter at this stage. UCT and the Irma Stern Trust will issue further updates - either jointly or separately - in due course.”
However, a resolution might be on the horizon. The Trust issued a statement, saying that it “is now in the process of reacquiring The Firs from UCT, in accordance with a sale agreement that reflects the terms of the original cancellation clause.”
Referring to a professional architectural assessment in 2023, it confirmed that the building’s current structure does not meet museum-grade requirements. For the time being, the collection will be relocated to a custom-designed facility dedicated to conservation and restoration.
Responding to claims of mismanagement and clarifying the use of proceeds from the 2022 auction conducted by Strauss & Co., the Trust stated: “All funds have been reinvested into the Trust’s operations, including insurance, maintenance, and storage of the collection, as well as strategic investments to support future initiatives.”
Preserving Stern’s Legacy
Those who have visited the museum will fondly remember her studio, where her paintbrushes, easel, rags, and painting overcoat lie as she last left them. The museum also held educational tours and online classes for visual art learners.
The closure of the facility leaves an undeniable gap. In the meantime, the Irma Stern Trust will host a series of public engagements in the coming weeks.
These will include consultations with key stakeholders to finalise refurbishment plans and explore new ways to share Stern’s art and legacy with a wider audience, in alignment with her wishes.
A public consultation will also be held at the Clocktower building at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Thursday, 13 November at 3pm.