Johannesburg mayor reveals steps to revive the century-old art gallery

City of Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero has revealed that preparations to restore the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) are well underway.

Morero briefed the media on the latest developments to restore the 100-year-old gallery to its former glory. His briefing comes as the mayor is set to preside over a special preview launch of the Homecoming Exhibition, a landmark cultural showcase  which forms part of the official G20 Summit Cultural Programme, at the Standard Bank Gallery, Simmonds Street, Johannesburg on Thursday. The Homecoming Exhibition celebrates the return of 145 artworks from the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) following an extensive international tour.

It also marks a significant partnership between the Standard Bank Gallery and JAG, ensuring that Johannesburg residents continue to experience the city’s world-renowned collection during the gallery's refurbishment.

The artworks were recently returned from exhibitions held in Hungary, Italy, and South Korea, where in South Korea alone, the exhibition attracted almost half a million visitors, highlighting the global significance of Johannesburg’s artistic heritage and strengthening the city’s cultural brand.

According to the city, the exhibition is co-curated by Khwezi Gule, Chief Curator of JAG, and Dr Same Mdluli, Gallery Manager at Standard Bank Art Gallery, with curatorial support from Bamanye Ngxale of JAG’s Southern African Traditional Collection. 

Morero added that the preview forms part of the City’s broader G20 hosting programme and demonstrates Johannesburg’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and creating spaces that elevate creative expression.

Built over 100 years ago, the Johannesburg Art Gallery is the oldest museum of its kind in the city, and boasts a collection of over 10, 000 artworks. However, in recent times, the gallery has been plagued by allegations of mal-administration and mismanagement, while some of the artworks were said to have been leased out irregularly.

In May this year, the City of Joburg announced a strategic plan for the temporary relocation of the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) collection, which formed part of  the City’s commitment to ensuring the preservation, safety, and future accessibility of one of South Africa’s most valuable cultural assets, while its historic building underwent essential restoration led by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA).

Addressing the media on Thursday, city mayor said in addition to robust historical and Southern African cultural collections, the 'JAG' as it is affectionately known, also houses a growing contemporary collection.

“In recent months, we have made significant strides in both restoring and reimagining this vital cultural asset. The Johannesburg Development Agency has spearheaded these efforts by bringing on board a skilled heritage specialist.

“They have conducted in-depth structural assessments, paving the way for a well-planned and responsible restoration process. We are excited to report that the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of Gauteng has formally approved the City’s application for the necessary structural interventions in the restoration project,” he said.

Morero revealed  the efforts to ensure the restoration of the gallery are on course as the city has managed to secure all required approvals and permits.

These, he said, include approvals, covering key areas such as traffic impact, stormwater management, fire safety, water usage, and land surveying, which means we can move forward without any hitches. 

“To protect JAG’s invaluable collection during renovations, we have set up three temporary facilities at the Johannesburg City Library, Museum Africa, and the Brixton Multipurpose Centre. These locations meet the insurance, environmental, and security standards essential for housing such significant artworks.

“We are collaborating closely with the South African Heritage Resources Agency to ensure that our temporary arrangements comply with national guidelines,” he added.