With the country and the city in the grip of a third Covid-19 wave, and lockdown rules limiting physical events and gatherings, we've curated a list of virtual events and experiences to enjoy.
VIRTUAL TOURS
Rickshaw tour through Tokyo's Asakusa
With the spotlight on the Olympics in Japan, learn more about the country and the city and experience Tokyo's Asakusa district from the comfort of your home with a 20-minute virtual tour that will help you explore this revered tourist site. You’ll learn about the tradition and culture including Sensō-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple in the area, and the various festivals that this region is known for. Find the tour here.
Berlin's Cold War
This virtual tour goes through The Topography of Terror museum, one of the well-known places of remembrance in Berlin, The Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie which was the crossing between East and West Berlin during The Cold War.
Ljubljana love stories
Romantics at heart will love this guided tour which looks at popular Slovenian characters, their love stories and where these took place. Take the tour here.
History, culture, and architecture of Valencia
Valencia in Spain is famous for its cuisine, rich heritage and history, festivals, vibrant art scene and Roman history. This virtual tour will take you through all of this and equip you with useful information and tips for when you finally visit.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
GARDENS
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
While you can visit the garden in person, whet your appetite by checking out this video on the splendour of our very own famed botanic garden, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, with its world-famous collections of southern African plants and rare and endangered species.
New York Botanical Garden
Orchid lovers will enjoy this virtual tour featuring Marc Hachadourian, a senior orchid curator at New York Botanical Garden, as he takes viewers through a beautiful exhibition of these special plants.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Famously known as the Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens in London is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50 000 living plants. It is a sight for sore eyes with a rich and fascinating history. View the tour here.
Giverny Monet's Garden
This popular tourist attraction has visitors flocking to it throughout the year. Thanks to technology, you can see its beauty for free and appreciate the remarkable “interconnection between the artist and the gardener”.
Keukenhof
Travel to Holland virtually and visit Keukenhof which is described as “the most beautiful spring garden in the world”. The garden’s history dates to the 15th century and according to Reuters, the site with its dazzling displays of colour including tulips in purple, yellow, and crimson usually rivals Amsterdam's top museums as one of the Netherlands biggest tourist attractions.
Fancy an inner-city wedding? Check out the offering at downtown venue Grub & Vine.
ART AND OTHER
Circle: AVA 50 Collectors
The historic Association for Visual Arts Gallery (AVA) is celebrating 50 years of operating from its premises in 35 Church St with a unique exhibition of past collections alongside new works by the same artists. With “Circle: AVA 50 Collectors”, the gallery wants visitors to “reflect on important historical works while acquiring new ones” and to “draw a new generation of collectors”. Participating artists include Dorothee Kreutzfeldt, Tracy Megan, Clare Menck, Siwa Mgoboza, Ronald Muchatuta, William Kentridge as well as a range of commercial galleries. The celebrations include an online publication of five decades of archives and a book by Dr Kim Gurney, which will follow soon while the exhibition can be viewed at the gallery from now until 28 August.
Where: Association for Visual Arts Gallery, 35 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h000 (Weekdays), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.ava.co.za
Bellyache at WORLDART
Many of us remember sweets treats from our childhood and how these evoke a range of feelings. In her latest exhibition, Geena Wilkinson reflects on this with ceramic sweets and biscuits as she believes many people can relate to them. The artist says she's “inspired by history and the way we remember things”. To register for the catalogue, email the gallery at info@worldart.co.za so they can add you to the list. The show is also available to view online.
StateoftheART Gallery
StateoftheART Gallery is open by appointment at the moment. The venue also has an established and trusted online presence, allowing it to continue operating under physical restrictions. Visit its website to view or purchase contemporary South African art and to watch artist interviews and behind-the-scenes films. Send an email to hello@stateoftheart-gallery.com or visit www.stateoftheart-gallery.com.
Artscape Theatre Centre
With Artscape Theatre Centre currently unable to stage productions, check out its 50th anniversary concert featuring some of South Africa’s finest dancers and musicians. They have made it available to view online for the rest of the year. You can also read about Artscape's golden jubilee in the CCID's latest quarterly newspaper, City Views.
Sky-Hi Ride at Hotel Sky
Hotel Sky, the Cape Town Central City’s newest hotel, has a 30-metre “Sky-Hi Ride” on its rooftop. It offers the best views of Cape Town and is reportedly the first of its kind in Africa and only one of seven in the world. Have a look at what’s in store for you here and be sure to book your ticket here.
Grub & Vine Weddings
Intimate wedding ceremonies are trending right now. But a micro wedding doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Let Cape Town Central City chef Matt Manning of Grub & Vine plan your inner-city wedding at his venue when it’s permissible to hold events. Get in touch to chat about the big day, which will include his delicious cuisine and a sommelier-curated wine pairing. Email events@mattmanningchef.com.
Ceramic Painting
Clay Café in the City is open seven days a week if you’d like to unwind while painting something special. Items range from R55 to R380 depending on the size and shape. Get in touch by calling 061 917 4191 or emailing jade@claycafe.co.za.
IMAGES: Google, Grub & Vine