Explore William Humphreys Art Gallery's artful wonders
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Visit the William Humphreys Art Gallery, also known as WHAG, to discover the world of art. Located in the picturesque Kimberley, it is a cherished jewel among locals and an intriguing stop for art lovers passing through the "Diamond City''.
Beyond its enormous collection that reflects the country's rich artistic past, WHAG's significance goes well beyond that of a regular museum. WHAG shows how South African art has changed from ancient African craft to modern wonders of art.
See diverse artistic expressions
You can enjoy diverse collections at William Humphreys Art Gallery, featuring a fantastic mix of art from many different times and styles. It's everything from Old Dutch and Flemish paintings to elegant modern art.
It flows easily from traditional South African art to modern South African art, including sculpture, paintings, works on paper, pottery, tapestries, beaded items, and more. This strange mix shows how diverse South Africa's culture is and invites tourists to learn more about the ever-changing world of art.
Notable works within WHAG's permanent collection
- Allocations of works (16 artworks in collection): A glimpse into how cultural practices and utilitarian ware have influenced contemporary South African art can be found in works by contemporary modernists and post-modernists.
- Athenaeum collection (46 artworks): In Kimberley, the Athenaeum, founded in 1903, played an essential role in promoting cultural activity. With its collection, WHAG's offerings gain a layer of historical importance.
- Dr Max Greenberg Bequest (55 artworks): Born in Kimberley in 1886, he left a lasting legacy in the art world. Through his contribution to the art community, his legacy enriches WHAG's collection.
- Lawson collection (247 artworks): Archdeacon George Mervyn Lawson's collection reflects his deep connection to Kuruman and Griqualand West, offering insights into South African history and culture.
- Meyer collection (375 artworks): Nicolaas Meyer's collection reflects his rural upbringing and connection to the land, portraying the essence of South African life.
- Norma Guassardo Bequest (3 artworks in collection): Norma and Michael Guassardo's bequest showcases the art of ceramics, adding a unique dimension to WHAG's offerings.
Beyond traditional paintings, a multidimensional experience
You can see a wide range of shows, from modern masterpieces to classics, that will always stay in style, so there is art for everyone. There are also film shows for people of all ages, a unique mix of art and cinema.
WHAG has fun and educational art classes for people who want to start making art. The gallery also actively supports inclusion by offering development classes for preschoolers and people with disabilities.
Visit the William Humphreys Art Gallery
The gallery welcomes weekday visitors from 08:00 to 16:30, offering guided tours upon appointment. Saturdays provide a bit more time to explore, with extended hours from 09:00 to 14:00. During public holidays, you can enjoy the collection from 09:00 to 12:00. Do note that the gallery takes a break on Sundays and Good Friday, as well as from December 25th to January 1st each year.
Admission won't break the bank, with fees of R5 for adults and R2 for children/scholars. Students with a valid student card can enter for free. For a deeper dive into the art, guided tours are available at just R100.
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