With almost 200 m² of gallery space, they host a wide range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These have included prints by William Kentridge and work by British Turner Prize winner Steve Mc Queen.
The galleries offer an opportunity for staff and students of UCT to exhibit their artworks or curated exhibitions in a non-commercial, experimental space. They also form an invaluable teaching resource, allowing students to hone curatorial, exhibition design, and management skills.
While the gallery complex is situated on a university campus, it is open to visitors from the general public, and regularly also presents open lectures, walkabouts and workshops. At times, works from many UCT art and manuscript collections are exhibited. These collections range from rare depictions of Cape scenes in early 19th century watercolours to prints from the masters of South African art.
A bookshop enables visitors to view examples of work from Michaelis School of Fine Art staff, and to purchase catalogues of previous students and staff exhibitions. One can also access an Exhibition Archive.