If you’re still deciding how to spend Heritage Day, Zeitz MOCAA is making a strong case for a day at the museum.
On Thursday, 24 September 2026, the Cape Town museum will open its doors to the public for free from 10am to 6pm, with a full programme of exhibitions, workshops, tours, food and live performances planned throughout the day.
Visitors will be able to explore the museum’s galleries and current exhibitions through guided tours, while multilingual architecture tours will take a closer look at the history of the Grain Silo and its transformation into the landmark museum it is today.
There’s plenty planned for families, too. Teenagers and adults can take part in the returning Silo Tote Bag workshop, where guests can create personalised tote bags inspired by the building’s distinctive silos. Younger visitors will have their own workshop inspired by the exhibitions currently on view.
A new immersive Art Patrol experience will also give visitors a closer look at the people responsible for helping to safeguard the museum’s artworks and heritage.
Outside, Makers Landing will power a dedicated food court serving local flavours throughout the day, while live music and performances from V&A Buskers and other local groups will add to the atmosphere.
For Liesl Hartman, Head of the BMW Centre for Art Education at Zeitz MOCAA, the day is about both celebration and reflection.
“Heritage Day is a day of celebration but also of remembrance, acknowledging the sacrifices made by others so that we can enjoy our freedom and our diverse cultures side by side,” she says. “At Zeitz MOCAA, a sanctuary for artists from all over Africa and its diaspora, we welcome South Africans home to celebrate with us, because the stories from Africa matter and our creativity, perspectives and visions can be shared with the world.”
Zeitz MOCAA Education Manager and Heritage Day Project Manager Talia Naicker adds that the annual event is designed to feel like more than just a museum visit.
“Whether experiencing the Museum for the first time or returning with friends and family, the day promises inspiration, creativity, and a shared sense of community,” she says.
Visitors can also use the Bloomberg Connects app to navigate the museum’s seven floors, explore exhibitions and programmes, and find Heritage Day activities throughout the building. The app includes multilingual functionality, including South African languages, making the experience more accessible to a wider range of visitors.
For those who would rather skip the queues and visit throughout the year, Zeitz MOCAA membership offers unlimited annual access, family-focused activities and other curated benefits.
This year’s theme, “Find Your Connection”, encourages visitors to explore the stories, experiences and perspectives that shape how we understand heritage today.
