Homecoming: The return of the Johannesburg Art Gallery collection now open to the public

The exhibition Homecoming: The return of the Johannesburg Art Gallery collection is now open to the public at the Standard Bank Art Gallery, from 17 March to 31 October 2026. This marks a significant moment for Johannesburg’s cultural landscape, as a selection of 145 artworks from the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) becomes accessible once again in South Africa.

Following an international tour across Hungary, Italy and South Korea, where the exhibition reached close to half a million visitors, the collection returns to Johannesburg at a time of renewed attention to the city’s artistic heritage. The presentation brings together major South African works alongside key European pieces, including several from JAG’s notable French holdings.

Co-curated by Khwezi Gule (JAG) and Dr Same Mdluli (Standard Bank Art Gallery), the exhibition reflects both the historical depth and the evolving relevance of the collection. It also highlights the importance of safeguarding and reactivating one of the continent’s leading public art collections.

The Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, together with the French Institute of South Africa, supports this initiative as part of ongoing cooperation around the revitalisation of JAG. This engagement includes support for broader public access, training in museum practices, collaboration with French museum professionals, and contributions to the long-term positioning of the gallery within the city.

Entrance to the exhibition is free.