2024 marks 125 years since Cape Town’s storied Mount Nelson Hotel first opened its doors to discerning guests, and as part of the birthday celebrations this inner-city icon has unveiled a landmark display of artworks in collaboration with the Norval Foundation’s Homestead Collection.
The works by 16 artists will be on display until 16 October 2024, gracing the walls of Mount Nelson’s lounge, bar, reception, conservatory and lobby spaces. All of which means you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy this unique art exhibition!
Curated by Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe of RESERVOIR Projects, the collection of artworks is intended to offer a unique perspective on the concept of ‘Mother City’, the nickname for Cape Town.
The curated collection of works includes a range of mediums, from painting to photography and relief sculpture, with work from artists including Mia Chaplin, Nicholas Hlobo, Kudzanai-Violet Hwami, Dada Khanyisa, Kapwani Kiwanga, Zanele Muholi, Cassi Namoda, Gregory Olympio, Athi-Patra Ruga, Gerda Scheepers, Berni Searle and Brett Charles Seiler.
‘It’s a great honour to share part of the Homestead Collection with guests of Mount Nelson. As a leading 20th-century South African art collection dedicated to an expanded narrative, these works speak to the hotel’s reverence for its past and its insistence on being part of the future,’ says founder of the Norval Foundation, Louis Norval.
Stop in for a meal, or sneak a peek en route to sundowners at Planet Bar... this latest collection is the next step in Mount Nelson’s ongoing journey to once again becoming the coolest address in Cape Town.
Right around the corner, a new hotel and artist residency is in the planning.