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The Nelson Mandela Metro offers a true ethnic mosaic of arts and crafts typical of the inhabitants of the
region. The diverse cultures and traditions are captured in a unique and creative way that makes this area
an essential stopover for all art lovers. Numerous art and craft centres in the region display a variety of locally
produced pieces of art.
The roadside hawkers are constantly increasing and changing their supply of wares. These range from fresh
fruit and vegetables to clothing garments and wooden African crafts. The most popular vending area extends
along Govan Mbeki Avenue as well as the Rink Street Mall; African art, African wire and wood sculptures, woven
baskets, pottery, crafts and curios are available here.
African print and cotton embroidery on material such as calico, silk ribbon and organza ribbon embroidery, as
well as leather items, can be obtained from different shops throughout the metro.
As a cultural venue, Nelson Mandela Bay boasts many museums and art galleries, providing an insight into the
past and present. Art venues include the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Museum, EPSAC and Cuyler Street Galleries
to mention but a few. A unique South African aviation art gallery has opened its doors in Port Elizabeth,
exhibiting outstanding aviation paintings. The gallery is singled out as one of the finest of its kind in
the world and definitely worth a visit!
Theate productions are staged at a number of venues, including the Opera House (a fine example of a
Victorian theatre and the only one still in use in South Africa), and the beautiful Feather Market Centre.
The latter, once the heart of auction sales and trades in ostrich feather, wool, and hides has been refurbished
and converted into an outstanding concert hall and conference centre. The venue is also a favourite for the Port
Elizabeth Annual Dance Festival as well as the Eastern Cape Schools Festival of English and Drama.
Various concerts, performances, modern musicals, operettas and smaller productions by various theatre groups are
staged at the different theatres and halls in the metro and surrounding towns on a regular basis. Whether it is
opera, cultural dances, symphonic music or open-air Shakespeare that you prefer, Nelson Mandela Bay caters for
every taste.
In this region visitors can experience, amongst others, also the cultural heritage of the Xhosa nation several
quality art and craft objects, as well as cultural experiences, are on offer and different tours into the
historically black townships are available. Some of these tours will include visits to places of historical
and political importance, as well as the ever-popular "Shebeens" (traditional bars). In addition, African
music, dances and traditional food are usually part of the experience.
The heritage of the different European pioneers to the area can be witnessed and experienced in the many different
monuments and buildings, the music, as well as in the food on offer throughout the metro. It is especially in the
places of worship that the different cultures can be experienced and many of the beautiful old churches, synagogues,
cathedrals and mosques are open to the public.
Nelson Mandela Bay is today home to many cultural groups and nationalities such as the Xhosa, Afrikaner, English,
Indian, Portuguese, Greek, Jewish and Chinese, as well as a significant number of coloured people. Languages most
spoken in the metro are Xhosa, Afrikaans and English.
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For more detailed information specific to this attraction, please click on a link below:
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 Architecture Art and Crafts General Religion
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