Escape to a place of wonder that the whole family will love.
A landmark attraction that makes for a great day outing is the 15-hectare Nirox Sculpture Park, located in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
The park is a mere 45-minute drive from the city and around the corner from the Sterkfontein Caves. Nirox is a place for those who love the outdoors, art and good food.
The Sculptures
Nirox plays host to an exhibition of sculptures by local and international artists, scattered across the neatly manicured park. Within the park are several permanent pieces waiting to be discovered, some under a tree, one emerging from a wetland and many on the rolling lawns.
The Nirox Foundation actively promotes art and the future of art here in South Africa by presenting pieces in a friendly, welcoming environment that just about any family member will appreciate.
The plush and well-cared-for grounds, located on the banks of the Blaauwbankspruit, are well sign-posted to take in the profusion of art. The ambling walkways are also ideal for those wanting to spend time in nature and increase their Vitamin D intake.
The Nirox foundation also offers an international artists residency program through the studios and workshops located on site.
The Food
A recent addition to the Nirox offering is and then there was fire, an eatery described as a ‘tapas café and farm table’. The brainchild of the chaps from the Che Argentinian Grill, and then there was fire has proven to be a huge hit with visitors to the park and foodies alike who eagerly await the flame-grilled delights on offer.
The restaurant is open Thursdays to Sundays and booking is essential. Secure your booking here. If you have a secured reservation you pay a reduced park entrance fee of R70 (standard entrance fee is R120). In the mood for meat? Look out for the grass-fed beef and acorn-fed pork, a sure-fire hit.
Stay a bit longer
Should you find the peace and tranquillity of Nirox somewhat infectious, Farmhouse 58 across the road is an ideal rustic retreat to truly maximise your time in the Cradle of Humankind. In addition to accommodation, Farmhouse 58 offers a range of wellness and meditation activities, workshops and retreats.
Fancy a hike or a bicycle ride through the lush vegetation? Farmhouse 58 has you, and the family, covered.
Entrance to Nirox
Nirox Sculpture Park is open from 10am to 4pmevery day of the week. Entrance costs R120 per adult, R60 per child. Don’t forget, if you have a confirmed reservation at and then there was fire, you pay a reduced entrance fee of R70.
Keep an eye on the Nirox social pages for regular events and concerts hosted at the park. Currently showing at Nirox is A Quiet Focus, a group exhibition featuring work by Walter Oltmann, Usha Seejarim and Chris Soal. The exhibition encourages viewers to handle the materials used to foster a deeper understanding of the methods employed by each artist. The exhibition runs until 31 January 2023.
Pictures: Supplied
Follow more of Ryan’s adventures here.
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