38 Buitenkant Street in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa | Art Gallery

The 38 Special Gallery, an old warehouse situated diagonally across from the District Six Museum, is a bit of an odd player in the Cape Town art world. It appears to be a coffee shop first and foremost, catering to the young professional crowd working in and around Parliament. Yet, its walls are being put to good use displaying emerging artists who do not have access to polished A-list exhibition spaces.

The art is significantly more affordable than at more established art dealers, which puts owning art within reach for some who could otherwise not afford an original piece on their wall. But it is not affordability alone that makes 38 Special well worth a visit. It is an opportunity to see fresh work by budding artists trying to establish themselves.

Music venues often include so-called \'open mic\' nights in their programme. Here, there is space in the cultural landscape where untrained singers, quirky songwriters and drop-out poets can compete for recognition.

38 Special Gallery showcases the works of various local artists. Evening exhibitions run concurrently. Check the specials for the current artist.

The gallery doubles as a restaurant in the day and delightful meals are provided in a rustic setting.