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Art at The Silo Hotel
Colour, creativity, and curiosity – the walls, floors, and interior spaces of The Silo Hotel boldly and unapologetically display vital artworks. A celebration of owner Liz Biden’s passion for art and the creative flair that defines every space she designs.
Inspired By Zeitz MOCAA
During her trips throughout Africa, The Royal Portfolio’s Liz Biden has acquired a unique and varied collection of art for The Silo Hotel that complements that of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA). Situated immediately below the hotel.
Highlighting young and aspiring artists, as well as established, highly acclaimed creators, each piece has been specifically chosen to enhance the unique interiors of each of the hotel’s 28 rooms. Curiosity and interest shine from the walls as each painting, print or sculpture brings added personality to the space around it.
In Her Own Words
“I have always included wonderful art in each of The Royal Portfolio hotels. Art brings a space to life; it creates warmth and tells stories. But moreover, art takes you on a journey which evolves as we evolve. Our guests love to enjoy the art collections at our hotels and lodges, and The Silo Hotel takes that art experience to a whole new level, focusing on contemporary African art.” – Liz Biden
The Vault
Discover The Vault, a private subterranean art gallery beneath The Silo Hotel. Designed to make more creative use of the space on our private parking level and to emphasise our passion for art, The Vault acts as a link between the hotel and local galleries in Cape Town.
Each year, The Silo Hotel collaborates with a different local gallery to highlight two African artists through exhibitions in The Vault. This industrial space is transformed into a fascinating exhibition backdrop, evolving into a representation of each artist’s work, and creating a compelling art tour opportunity for our guests. The art in The Vault is for sale through the relevant gallery representing the artist and is rotated every six months.
Meet Our Art Concierge
As the Art Concierge at The Silo Hotel, Michael Jacobs is able to leverage his passion for storytelling and his connections to Cape Town’s artistic and design communities. He believes that Africa’s stories should be told by African voices, and this philosophy informs his nuanced approach to interpreting the artworks at The Silo Hotel and on display in the co-located Zeitz MOCAA (where Michael was a member of the founding team).
Michael specialises in using art and design to forge connections between people, both locally and globally. He also has exceptional knowledge of Cape Town’s art and design retail spaces.
Private Art Tours
Discuss your personal preferences with Michael, and he will tailor-make an art and design tour for you that encompasses either The Silo Hotel’s private art collection (with over 300 pieces of contemporary African art), the iconic Zeitz MOCAA, or both.
Michael can also introduce you to Cape Town’s most vital artists and designers, and the studio spaces where they work. His knowledge of art buying will also prove invaluable should you wish to purchase a piece to take home as the ultimate souvenir of your perfect stay in the Mother City. For more information, please contact: info@thesilohotel.com
The Lobby And Beyond
The Silo Hotel lobby, on the ground floor of the old grain silo building, sets the scene for the contrast between old and new which can be found throughout the hotel. “Decorating The Silo Hotel brought welcome new challenges. It is very different from the other properties in The Royal Portfolio. Space, for one, is restricted by the two core elevator shafts running through the building as well as by the cubic geometry of each floor. Wall space is only limited by the remarkable windows,” Liz Biden reflects.
Almost every piece of furniture in the hotel has been hand-crafted by Moorgas & Sons in Cape Town. Typically, Liz will find a material or fabric and visualise it in position in the hotel.
The Lalela Project
Initiated in 2001, the Lalela Project began with just a handful of students from the Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu townships in Cape Town’s Hout Bay. The project harnesses the power of art to guide students along a clear path and help them achieve their full potential.
Working across many communities throughout South Africa, the Lalela Project facilitates art education for hundreds of disadvantaged children aged between six and eighteen. The Silo Hotel and owner Liz Biden are proud supporters of this incredible initiative.