Southern Guild

Contemporary gallery representing African artists and collectible design in Cape Town.

Description

Established in 2008 by Trevyn and Julian McGowan, Southern Guild represents contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora while pioneering the collectable design category.

Located in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront, the gallery hosts curated exhibitions, artist residencies and design commissions, facilitating cultural exchange and global visibility for its artists.

Company Group

Southern Guild

Social Media

Google Rating

4.6 ★ | 80+ Google reviews

Art Styles

Contemporary | Functional Art | Collectable Design

Exhibitions

Rotating solo and group exhibitions of African and diaspora artists; design shows of collectable furniture, lighting and craft.

Experiences

Browse high-end African design pieces that merge craft and contemporary art.

Attend an opening, talk or lecture to engage with the gallery team and artists.

Explore the gallery’s space in the Silo District, next to the V&A Waterfront’s art & design hubs.

Activities

Exhibitions | Gallery Viewing | Art Fairs | Residencies | Talks and Lectures

Estimated Duration

1 hour

Guided Tours

By appointment (contact gallery)

Dress Code

Casual

What to Bring

Additional Information

Southern Guild’s artists have works in major museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Centre Pompidou, and Vitra Design Museum.
The gallery’s commissions and residency programme contribute to the production of artist-designed works and elevate the African collectable design category globally.

Inside Guides

Visit early after opening time for quiet viewing before crowds.
Combine a visit with a stroll through the Silo District and nearby museum for a full design & art outing.
The GUILD Residency offers international artists a chance to engage with the local African context.

Restrictions & Rules

Typical gallery etiquette:

No touching artworks.
Photography may be restricted depending on the exhibition.

Reservation Policies

Reservations: Not required for regular exhibitions — walk-ins are welcome.

Estimate Price Range

Artworks and design pieces are priced individually.

Entry Fee & Prices

Entrance | Free

Booking Methods

Walkins | Website

Art fairs

Child friendly

Events and fundraisers

Exhibitions

Gallery shop

Gallery viewing

Information desk

Membership programs

Parking

Restrooms

Talks & lectures

Technical guidance

Wheelchair accessible

Wi-fi

Workshops & Classes

Not dog friendly

Must Tries

Gallery shop: Explore the gallery’s curated store of limited-edition design pieces available for purchase.

Design-art crossover exhibition: See exhibitions that bridge functional design and fine art from African artists.

Highlights

Prime Silo District location: Situated in the vibrant design hub of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

International influence: The gallery’s artists have works in major global institutions, and the programme participates in leading art fairs.

Features

Art fairs
Child friendly
Events & fundraisers
Exhibitions
Gallery shop
Gallery viewing
Information desk
Membership programs
Parking
Restrooms
Talks & lectures
Technical guidance
Wheelchair accessible
Wi-fi
Workshops & Classes
Not dog friendly

Must Tries

Gallery shop find: Explore the gallery’s curated store of limited-edition design pieces available for purchase.

Design-art crossover exhibition: See exhibitions that bridge functional design and fine art from African artists.

Highlights

Prime Silo District location: Situated in the vibrant design hub of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

International influence: The gallery’s artists have works in major global institutions, and the programme participates in leading art fairs.