Book directly with us.
Guest Enquiry
Not ready to book just yet? Submit an enquiry and our team will be in touch within 24 hours.
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 at 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
The Vault is The Silo’s subterranean private art gallery, which acts as a link between the hotel and local galleries in Cape Town. It was designed to make more creative use of the space on our private parking level and to facilitate even more emphasis on our passion for art.
Each year, The Silo Hotel collaborates with a different local gallery to highlight two African artists through exhibitions in The Vault. The industrial space transforms into a fascinating canvas for each exhibition, evolving into a representation of each artist and creating an interesting art tour for guests at the hotel. 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, Irene Boaventura holds the key to the storytelling behind our collection. Irene’s deep-rooted passion for art, culture, and extraordinary hospitality come from a dedicated journey on a self-made trajectory. She facilitates VIP art experiences for our guests in the high-profile Cape Town art scene of which she is an integral part.
Irene sees art as a means of communication, connection, and transportation, leading to a shared understanding between people from all walks of life. She also believes that art enables conversations that transcend the limitations of spoken language.
Private Art Tours
Irene is a master at curating bespoke and informative art tours. Journey through The Silo Hotel’s private art collection (which contains over 300 pieces of contemporary African art) or tour Zeitz MOCAA with Irene offering insights into the memorable exhibitions.
Visits to Cape Town’s most established and emerging artist’s studios, galleries and exhibitions can also be arranged with Irene as she presents our guests with the opportunity to learn about and potentially meet the artists themselves. For more information please contact: info@thesilohotel.com
The Lobby And Beyond
The Silo Hotel lobby, on the ground floor of the old 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.
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 children aged six to eighteen. The Silo Hotel and owner Liz Biden are proud supporters of this incredible initiative.