
Walker Bay Art Gallery
A stylish modern gallery in Hermanus showcasing contemporary South African art, featuring the vibrant Ardmore collection and a charming courtyard deli...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the vibrant Art Walk

Walker Bay Art Gallery
Best Time
Experience the vibrant Art Walk

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stylish modern gallery in Hermanus showcasing contemporary South African art, featuring the vibrant Ardmore collection and a charming courtyard deli.
"A chic art gallery in Hermanus with a modern design and a must-visit deli."

🎯 Attend First Fridays Art Walk
Join the local art scene for a vibrant evening of art and community.
☕ Savor the Deli Delights
Don't miss the unique cruffins and great coffee at the courtyard deli.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Contemporary South African Art
Discover a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and prints from talented local artists.

Ardmore Collection
Upstairs
Explore the extensive Ardmore range, featuring vibrant ceramics, printed fabrics, and framed artworks.

Architectural Building
Admire the stylish, modern building itself, which is considered a work of art, enhancing the exhibition experience.

Courtyard Deli
Enjoy delicious coffee and pastries, like the unique cruffin, in a charming, shady courtyard setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Artful Atmosphere
Navigating the Gallery & Deli
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Attend First Fridays Art Walk
Join the local art scene for a vibrant evening of art and community.
☕ Savor the Deli Delights
Don't miss the unique cruffins and great coffee at the courtyard deli.
🚶♀️ Explore Upstairs Ardmore
Discover the vibrant Ardmore collection, but mind the steep wrought iron stairs.
♿ Inquire About Access
Wheelchair-friendly entrances are available; ask staff for assistance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Attend First Fridays Art Walk
Join the local art scene for a vibrant evening of art and community.
☕ Savor the Deli Delights
Don't miss the unique cruffins and great coffee at the courtyard deli.
🚶♀️ Explore Upstairs Ardmore
Discover the vibrant Ardmore collection, but mind the steep wrought iron stairs.
♿ Inquire About Access
Wheelchair-friendly entrances are available; ask staff for assistance.
🖼️ Browse Local Talent
Support South African artists and find unique pieces to take home.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Walker Bay Art Gallery for its sophisticated collection of contemporary South African art and its stylish, modern architecture. The welcoming atmosphere, particularly from the owner, and the delightful courtyard deli with its unique pastries are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the upstairs Ardmore collection is a standout, the steep staircase requires a note of caution.
"Beautiful Gallery with an upmarket range of incredible art. Jay makes the experience seamless and is an asset to the Gallery. Many popular local artists feature in an amazing space. Great coffee and deli too. Lovely courtyard setting."
Myles Adams
"Well laid out gallery spread around a central restaurant space offering a shady quad. We arrived close to lunchtime, finding a good crowd. Works on show offer a range of genres - sculpture, modernist works, figurative works in small and large scale, prints etc. Upstairs space primarily showcases the extensive Ardmore range of works; ceramics, printed fabrics on sale and some even framed. All works are on sale. Charming wrought iron staircase is only for the sure-footed - though there is an alternative wider staircase on the other side. Great that the owners responded to indicate there are wheelchair-friendly entrance options - see the below reply. Worth a visit."
hetta pieterse
"Very stylish and modern. Good balance between paintings and sculptures using space and light to perfection. Modern Art Gallery lives up towards its name and can definitely be seen as a frontrunner when art-lovers want a prime location. The building itself is architectural art and together with the lovely coffee shop downstairs it's a combination that should only succeed."
Hardus Steenkamp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Walker Bay Art Gallery is located in Hermanus, approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Cape Town along the Western Cape coast. The drive itself is scenic, often mentioned as part of the appeal of visiting the region.
While specific parking details aren't widely mentioned, Hermanus is a tourist town, and street parking or nearby public parking is generally available. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially during peak times.
Yes, if you are staying in the central Hermanus area, the gallery is likely within walking distance, especially if you are participating in the First Fridays Art Walk.
Many visitors explore Hermanus by car, allowing for easy access to the gallery and surrounding vineyards. The First Fridays Art Walk is a popular way to experience the local art galleries.
Yes, Hermanus has a thriving art scene with several other galleries. Walker Bay Art Gallery is part of the broader art route in the region, and the First Fridays Art Walk connects various venues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Walker Bay Art Gallery is generally free, allowing visitors to browse the art at their leisure.
The gallery is typically open during regular business hours, often including weekends. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially around public holidays.
The Ardmore collection is part of the gallery's exhibition space, and there is no separate admission fee to view it.
Yes, all works on show at Walker Bay Art Gallery are for sale, offering a chance to own a piece of South African art.
The gallery participates in events like the Hermanus First Fridays Art Walk, which is a great time to visit and experience the local art community.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of contemporary South African art, including paintings, sculptures, modernist works, figurative pieces, and prints, catering to various tastes.
While the art itself might appeal to older children, the gallery is more geared towards adults. The deli and courtyard offer a more relaxed environment for families.
The gallery is well-laid out around a central restaurant space with a lovely courtyard. The upstairs area showcases the Ardmore collection.
The building has a charming but steep wrought iron staircase to the upstairs Ardmore collection. However, there is an alternative wider staircase, and the owners have indicated wheelchair-friendly entrance options are available.
Photography policies can vary. It's generally good practice to be respectful and avoid flash photography, especially of specific artworks, unless otherwise indicated.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a popular coffee shop and deli located within the gallery's central restaurant space and courtyard.
The deli offers great coffee and delicious pastries, including unique items like cheese and marmite croissants and cruffins with custard.
Many visitors find the deli to be a great spot for lunch, enjoying the food and the charming courtyard setting.
While the deli is integrated into the gallery space, its central location and courtyard setting suggest it might be accessible independently, though it's best to confirm.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but the focus on pastries and coffee suggests a standard cafe menu. It's advisable to inquire directly about options.
📸 📸 Photography
The modern architecture of the building, the vibrant Ardmore collection, and the charming courtyard with its deli offer excellent photo opportunities.
Generally, you can take photos for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on photographing artworks, especially with flash.
The gallery is described as using space and light to perfection, suggesting it is well-lit, which is beneficial for photography.
Weekday mornings might offer fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed photography. The courtyard setting is also lovely for capturing the ambiance.
The Ardmore collection, with its colorful ceramics and fabrics, is often highlighted as visually striking and photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during quieter weekday mornings to avoid crowds. If you have older children interested in art, the diverse range of pieces, including the vibrant Ardmore collection, could spark their imagination. Just be mindful of the steep staircase to the upstairs area if you have very young children.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Collectors
Attending during the Hermanus First Fridays Art Walk is highly recommended for an immersive experience, connecting with the local art community and enjoying a vibrant atmosphere. The gallery's modern architecture and thoughtful lighting also enhance the appreciation of the artworks.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Cape Town
Combine your visit with exploring Hermanus's coastal beauty and perhaps a wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The gallery's integrated deli is perfect for a delightful lunch or coffee break before continuing your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Walker Bay
The gallery's commitment to showcasing local talent is evident, and it's a place where both seasoned collectors and casual visitors can discover something captivating. The owner, Jay, is often mentioned for his welcoming approach, guiding visitors through the artists and making the experience seamless and enjoyable.
Beyond the individual pieces, the gallery itself is an architectural gem. Described as stylish and modern, it uses space and light to perfection, enhancing the viewing experience. This thoughtful design makes Walker Bay Art Gallery a frontrunner for art enthusiasts looking for a prime location to appreciate art.
Exploring the Ardmore Collection
Accessing the Ardmore collection involves navigating a charming but steep wrought iron staircase. While this adds to the gallery's character, visitors should be aware of its steepness. Fortunately, an alternative wider staircase is available on the other side of the building, ensuring most visitors can reach the upstairs exhibition.
The Ardmore pieces are not just visually stunning but also available for purchase, offering a unique opportunity to acquire distinctive decorative art and textiles that embody South African creativity.
The Courtyard Deli Experience
Reviewers rave about the quality of the offerings, particularly the great coffee and the delicious pastries. Standout items include the unique cruffin, described as a croissant-muffin hybrid with a custard filling, and the classic cheese and marmite croissant. It's a popular spot, especially around lunchtime, contributing to the lively atmosphere of the gallery complex.
The deli not only complements the art experience by providing a place to refuel but also enhances the overall appeal of the gallery as a destination. It's a place where art lovers can linger, discuss their favorite pieces, and enjoy a tasty treat in a beautiful setting.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit