The Javett Art Centre at UP opening in pictures, Heritage Day, 24 September 2019

The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) is an exceptional new South African attraction dedicated to the “art of Africa”.

“Art centre” is really a misnomer – this attraction is a large and impressive art museum or gallery. It houses a range of exceptional art of Africa, much of it on loan from other collections, from Irma Stern’s Arab Priest to Alexis Preller’s Discovery.

But the most impressive exhibit of all is the Mapungubwe Collection, with its centre-piece, a tiny, but perfectly fashioned gold rhino. The Mapungubwe Collection dates from AD1000 to AD1300, and was discovered by archaeologists in what is now the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, in the north-east corner of South Africa. The Mapungubwe Kingdom boasted master goldsmiths; the rhino, and a range of other gold pieces including necklaces and other small figurines, are testament to their remarkable craftsmanship.

The museum is large and spacious, with three floors of exceptional art, all laid out expertly, in a way to entice the viewer in. Opened on 24 September 2019, it must already rate as one of South Africa’s top attractions.

We at Flow Communications are very proud to have worked with the Javett-UP for the past 18 months, as their partners in marketing, PR and social media.

Landscape by Gladys Mgudlandlu.
(Image: Flow Communications)

Detail from Alexis Preller's Discovery. (Image: Flow Communications)

The Mapungubwe gold rhino, the centre-piece of the Mapungubwe Collection. (Image: Flow Communications)

Gold bracelets from the Mapungubwe Collection. (Image: Flow Communications)

Cry Havoc by Mary Sibande.
(Image: Flow Communications)

A golden crocodile, from the AngloGold Ashanti Barbier-Mueller Gold of Africa collection. (Image: Flow Communications)

A golden feline from the AngloGold Ashanti Barbier-Mueller Gold of Africa collection. (Image: Flow Communications)

Foyer of the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria. (Image: Flow Communications)

Flowstars welcoming media to the launch of the Javett-UP. (Image: Flow Communications)

From left: Dr Leigh Bregman (representing the Javett family), Professor Tawana Kupe, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, and Javett founding director, Christopher Till, formally open the Javett-UP. (Image: Flow Communications)

It was very appropriate that the Javett-UP, an iconic new institution showcasing South African art, was launched on Heritage Day. (Image: Flow Communications)

Guests at the opening of the Javett-UP. (Image: Flow Communications)

Dancer at the opening of the Javett-UP. (Image: Flow Communications)

Eye-catching fabric for sale at one of the market stalls set up for the opening day. (Image: Flow Communications)

Guests enjoying the spring sunshine at the opening. (Image: Flow Communications)

One of many vendors who sold their crafts at the opening of the Javett-UP. (Image: Flow Communications)

The new Javett-UP connects to the main University of Pretoria campus via a bridge over Lynnwood Road. (Image: Tara Turkington)