The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Irma Stern Trust have confirmed the closure of the iconic Irma Stern Museum, ending more than half a century of public access to the home and studio of one of South Africa’s most influential painters.
The museum, housed at The Firs, Stern’s former home and studio, officially closed its doors to the public on 31 October 2025.
The announcement, made a day earlier, confirmed that the collection will be relocated to a secure archival facility to ensure its long-term preservation.
In a joint statement, UCT and the Irma Stern Trust said they have concluded their long-standing partnership to manage and operate the museum.
The Firs will be “repurposed,” with the Trust expected to unveil further plans in early 2026 for how Stern’s works will be presented in new and engaging ways.
“Now, in the spirit of Irma Stern’s own adventurous nature, the collection will be embarking on a new journey,” the statement said. “This change opens new doors for audiences to encounter her art and be inspired by the passion and curiosity that defined her life’s work.”
Public Reaction and Funding Concerns
The sudden closure, announced without prior public notice, has sparked criticism from the public, art historians, and heritage advocates, igniting debate over heritage preservation and the future of one of South Africa’s most valuable art collection
Many have expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the closure, as well as the management of approximately $1.3 million (R24 million) raised through auction house Strauss & Co, funds that were earmarked for the museum’s conservation.
The Irma Stern Trust has announced that it will hold public consultations in November 2025 to discuss the future of the collection and the property, in an effort to address growing public concern and reaffirm its commitment to preserving Stern’s legacy.
Dianna Yach, Chair of the Museum Committee, said the transition was part of a broader plan to expand the museum’s reach and ensure the long-term sustainability of Stern’s collection.
“This new journey will contribute to the growth of Irma Stern’s legacy and bring her creativity to broader audiences in South Africa and around the world,” Yach said.
A Legacy of Colour and Curiosity
For 56 years, the Irma Stern Museum stood as a cultural landmark, welcoming generations of UCT community members, art lovers, and international visitors to experience the vibrant artistry of one of South Africa’s most influential painters.
Stern’s will stipulated that her art and artefact collection be held in trust “for the encouragement and promotion of the Fine Arts.” From this directive, the museum was officially founded in 1971–72 under the administration of UCT on behalf of the Irma Stern Trust.
Born in 1894, Irma Stern is recognised as one of South Africa’s pioneering modern artists. Her vivid expressionist works, often inspired by her travels across Africa and beyond, have achieved global acclaim and fetch millions at international auctions.
The museum displayed a rich collection of Stern’s paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures, alongside artefacts she collected during her travels across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Some rooms, including her studio, were preserved exactly as she left them, with her paintbrushes, easel, and coat still in place. Other rooms hosted rotating exhibitions of contemporary South African artists, maintaining a dynamic link between the past and present.
While the museum’s closure marks the end of a beloved cultural era, both UCT and the Trust insist it represents a new beginning, one that aims to reimagine how Stern’s bold and expressive legacy can inspire future generations across South Africa and the world.
