HK Contemporary - Art Museum, Gallery & Studio

HK Contemporary Art Museum, Gallery & Studio. 1 Stinkwood Road, Cullinan.

The quaint town of Cullinan, celebrated for its diamond mining heritage and unique corrugated iron architecture, is set to unveil an exciting new cultural destination.

Opened on March 28 2024, the HK Contemporary Art Museum, Gallery, and Studio made its debut. Situated in an eye-catching cob house created by the late artist Marcella De Boom, this space serves as an exquisite setting to showcase a vast collection of art.

This collection, carefully curated over the years from works by South African artists, as well as acquisitions from galleries and auction houses, is perfectly complemented by the building's distinctive architectural features and the mesmerising light cast through its stained-glass windows.

Hardus Koekemoer, who has called Cullinan home since 2002 and is a passionate art collector, began assembling his collection in 1988. His journey into the art world was sparked on a trip to Belgium and the Netherlands, where he purchased his first artwork by Picasso.

This experience marked the beginning of his lifelong engagement with art. His knowledge and passion for art were further enhanced by his ownership and operation of an art gallery in Antwerp, Belgium. After returning to South Africa in 1994, Koekemoer embarked on a career as a décor painter, stage manager at the State Theatre, and subsequently as a lecturer in performing arts at TUT, where he also excelled as a theatre and lighting designer. The serene environment of Cullinan offered Koekemoer the perfect setting to concentrate on painting and producing print artworks. Over time, he has collected thousands of pieces, from which he has chosen the most impactful for the museum's display.

Guests are invited to experience the remarkable interplay between the venue's architectural beauty and the art it houses. The HK Contemporary space also boasts a private art studio, where individuals can take part in printmaking and painting classes, as well as a gallery for those looking to purchase artwork.

Open to the public from Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, entry to the museum and gallery is free, though donations are welcomed. Private viewings and museum tours are available Monday to Thursday, subject to a fee.