Pretoria Art Museum turns 60
The museum is celebrating this milestone with a small exhibition highlighting its history. Entry to the museum is free from May 20-26.
After being inaugurated on May 20, 1964, the Pretoria Art Museum recently turned 60 years old. To mark the special occasion, a small exhibition highlighting the history of the Pretoria Art Museum, complemented by some seminal works of art, is on display.
Entry to the museum is free from May 20-26.
The seminal works on the display pay homage to some of the historical landmarks and moments the museum has borne witness to under the title “We, The Purple”.
The Pretoria Art Museum, in collaboration with the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria, is celebrating 30 years of democracy with this initiative.
The initiative draws inspiration from Tshwane being dubbed the “Jacaranda City”, an ode to the iconic Jacaranda trees lining its streets.
The significance goes beyond the trees and honours moments such as the 2015 #FeesMustFall protests and the 1956 Women’s March.
Notably, the exhibition’s title pays homage to the “purple rain protest” of September 1989, which embodied the essence of anti-apartheid resistance.
Tshwane’s Deputy Mayor, Nasiphi Moya attended the exhibition and said that the museum remains a source of inspiration for all even beyond the Tshwane borders.
“The museum offers a rich historical account of the City of Tshwane’s art collection that dates to the early 1930s. The museum remains a relevant part of Tshwane to attract tourism, not only for people who do not live in the city but for ordinary Tshwane residents as well,” Moya said.
“The Pretoria Art Museum is a source of inspiration. The goal of exhibitions is to stimulate interest in diverse fields of inquiry regarding items, epochs, religions, philosophies and scientific ideas,” Moya said.
“In some countries, educational institutions and museums have symbiotic partnerships to enhance teaching and research. In the studies of palaeontology, culture, anthropology, history, geology, arts, and so forth, museums are fountains of information.”
Moya said that most museums are non-profit entities or public institutions that rely on support from residents to stay afloat.
She encouraged residents to support their local museums so that they can continue to educate and inspire audiences.
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Moya said she would also be conducting site visits to other historical landmarks in the metro.
“I am also extending the plea for other heritage facilities which are in dire need of support. On Wednesday (May 22), we will oversee the reopening of Melrose House Museum, which was closed due to roof renovations. This historical house, built between 1886 and 1888, offers visitors a historical account of South Africa’s history in the early 1900s.”
The Pretoria Art Museum looks forward to hosting the Sasol New Signatures 2024 campaign in June under the theme Articulate, celebrating self-expression and connection and how art transcends basic forms of communication.
Entries for the 2024 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition can be submitted at one of several collection points across the country on June 4-5 from 10:00 to 16:00 only.
For Tshwane residents, entries can be made at the Pretoria Art Museum, situated on the corner of Francis Baard and Wessels streets, Arcadia Park, Pretoria.
They can also call 012 358 6750 or send an email to artspta@mweb.co.za.
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