Culture vultures alert! It's a quick and dirty guide to Pretoria's scene when it comes to all things arty and not in anyway farty. 

Museums

Association of Arts

Pop into the non-profit gallery and check out new art by contemporary South African visual artists. There's a new exhibition each month.
012 346 3100/311o

Centurion Art Gallery

The gallery is closely affiliated with the Pretoria Art Gallery. The art on the premises is collected from all over the country. Mainly the works are put on permanent exhibition but sometimes the gallery undertakes travelling exhibitions.
012 358 3477

The Design Shop

Check out the Design Shop for South African designs (textiles, ceramics, furniture, etc) made by young artists. You can also get some crafts for your home while you’re there.
072 123 5395

Performance

The South African State Theatre

This is one of the most well-known theatres in the country. The state theatre is a regular home for performances that include opera, ballet, musicals and Children's theatre. Upcoming shows include; Xpressionz, Mummenschanz and Groet die Grotvrou. Book before you get there.
083 915 8000

The Performer Theatre

If you’re interested in the works of young and new artists with a meal thrown in, the Performer is right up your alley. The intimate venue calls for smart dressing for a glamorous evening out.
012 346 0810

Breytenbach Theatre

The Breytenbach theatre is a classic. The former German hospital is now a playground for the fresh new talent from University of Pretoria, Pretoria Technikon and Unisa.

Live Music

Café Barcelona

This friendly intimate live music venue has hosted major South African artists including Louise Carver, Arno Carstens and Karen Zoid. Don't miss it the next time you’re visiting.
012 345 3602

Nile Crocodile

The name might not give it away but the crowd here is young, funky and on the cutting edge. Be sure of your cool status before you venture into the Nile.
012 440 8839

Tings 'n Times

This music venue caters to the reggae lovers. Inside it looks like a permanent shout out to Bob Marley, Burning Spear and other reggae greats. There's great vegetarian food. Carnivores needn't worry, there're some non-vegetarian meals on the menu as well.
012 362 5537

Literature

Inside out: Escape from Pretoria Prison

This is Tim Jenkins account of how he and two other apartheid prisoners escaped from prison. It's a fascinating account of how they planned the escape, duplicated keys and managed to go through ten different locked doors.
Get it from Kalahari.net

Calling UFOs

Have you ever thought of seeing UFOs in Pretoria? Well Momcilo Radovani seems to think the city is a prime spot for sightings. Find out more about the man who has claimed to seen 130 UFOs.
Get it from Kalahari.net

Music Strange and Manifold

This a story about the author, Krystyna Smith, dealt with her history of clergy sexual abuse while growing up in the UK. She worked as a lecturer at the University of Pretoria in the 80s. She writes about those experiences too.
Get it from Kalahari.net

See the cultural side of Pretoria with these deals.

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