Take an Art Tour at Grandwest

In 2000, GrandWest enlisted 23 leading South African artists to submit work towards the Cape's largest single art commission. This R1 million art collection in Cape Town not only provides a visual anthology of the city's history, but each work is a masterpiece that highlights GrandWest’s theme: recalling a grand past.

Next time you're at GrandWest, whether for family fun or winning big at one of the top casinos in Cape Town, take a moment to consider some of the 100 significant artworks on display at the "Tavern of the Seas" and immerse yourself in the Cape's history.

Here's the lowdown:

In a nutshell

GrandWest was designed to pay homage to the Cape by recalling its vanished symbols and the unique character of its present. Central to this theme, you'll see a wide range of scenic landscapes and maritime art that depicts Cape Town's long association with the sea.

Besides the artworks, GrandWest's facades replicate the city's long-gone buildings, like the Old Post Office (1897-1942); the demolished Grand Hotel; Tivoli Music Hall (demolished in the 1930s) and the sorely missed Alhambra Theatre (demolished in 1970).

A dramatic welcome

At the casino's main entrance, pause to consider the thought-provoking sculpture "Armillary and Seals." Local artist Keith Calder drew on the casino's classic architecture and maritime theme to evoke the theory of Ptolemy in this impressive work.

Cape Fur seals are a big part of life in Cape Town and can be seen at The V&A Waterfront, off the Hout Bay coast, and in Simonstown, part of the reason why these aquatic dwellers are central in Calder’s work for GrandWest. There’s also another famous seal at the Table Bay, too.

A grand entrance

The Grand Hotel will greet you with a merry trio of Cape minstrels, whose carefree happiness has been captured forever in bronze. The sculptor, Maureen Quin was inspired by Denis-Constant Martin's history of the Kaapse Klopse, and this work characterises one of the most famous annual events in Cape Town.

Historically, Cape slaves were only given a day off each year and celebrated it by singing and dancing in the streets. The merrymaking carnival is typically marked on New Year's Day by a colourful parade through the city centre.

The platinum collection

If you're a Platinum MVG member you have access to some of the casino's most exclusive artworks at the Salon Privé. While you're enjoying breakfast at the Union Castle Club, you'll see works by maritime master artist Dale Elliot. Darryl Legg's artwork can be found around the non-smoking tables, and Sipho Ndlovu's works depicting the Castle Union way of life at the non-smoking cash desk. Paintings by brother and sister artists Eric Oswald Eatwell and Lynne-Marie Eatwell can be found at the smoking tables.

DID YOU KNOW? Sipho Ndlovu is a self-taught artist who was spotted by Brigitte Read of the Everard Read Gallery. He's been painting full-time since 1985 and lives in Cape Town.

The adult collection

The Roxy Revue Bar is the more intimate version of the Grand Arena, and as its name suggests, offers up thigh-slapping, booty-shaking musical variety shows for adult entertainment. It's fitting then that the artwork here consists of striking deco nudes by the late world-traveller and painter Mike Fitzpatrick.

What do we love most about this artist? Mike Fitzpatrick walked away from his day job with the following philosophy: "Have paintbrush, will travel."

Which is your favourite artwork at GrandWest?