The Montebello Design Centre is a vibrant non-profit art, craft, design, and cultural hub nestled at 31 Newlands Avenue in Lansdowne (Newlands), Cape Town. Established in 1993, it occupies beautifully restored Victorian-era stables and farm buildings originally built around 1880 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Surrounded by a canopy of historic trees beneath Devil’s Peak, it brings together over twenty creative studios, workshops, galleries, co‑working spaces, a greenhouse nursery, and a charming café—all unified by its mission to nurture local design, entrepreneurship, and community growth :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
How to Reach Montebello Design Centre, Lansdowne
The centre is easy to reach from central Cape Town. By car, follow M3 or M5 south-east, take the Newlands exit, and proceed along Newlands Avenue until you reach number 31. Ample off‑street parking is available within the premises :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
For public transport users: disembark at Newlands or Rondebosch train station then walk about 10 minutes to the centre. Alternatively, Board MyCiTi bus or minibus taxis to higher Main Road and hike across Newlands Oval to the site. Ride‑hail options like Uber and Bolt also serve the area.
Weather at Montebello Design Centre
Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers (December to February) with daytime temps between 25–30 °C, and cool, wet winters (June to August) averaging 10–18 °C. The sheltered garden and shaded courtyards of Montebello are perfect for year‑round visits, but the best time to visit is during spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May), when temperatures are mild and outdoor areas are most inviting.
Timings of Montebello Design Centre
Montebello operates during the following hours:
- Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 16:00
- Sunday: 09:00 – 15:00 (for The Gardener’s Cottage brunch by booking)
Studios, shops, cafés, and nursery follow these hours, while individual galleries may adjust their times slightly. Always check their website ahead of special events like night‑garden evenings or workshops :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Why Montebello Design Centre is Famous
Montebello is cherished for its unique combination of historic architecture, artistic vibrancy, and eco-conscious cultural programming. It’s famed for:
- **Heritage spaces**: Victorian stables and greenhouses once used by Ohlsson’s Brewery, restored for craft and creativity :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- **Creative diversity**: ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ to Black‑badge studio initiatives like Montebello Labs—supporting emerging social‑impact designers :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- **Community events**: Hosts regular workshops like mosaic‑making, monthly in‑season markets, night‑garden festivals and D‑Desk exhibitions :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- **Hands‑on experiences**: Visitors can take classes in ceramics, printmaking, weaving, beadwork and more :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- **Eco‑focus**: Its greenhouse nursery promotes indigenous plants and sustainable living, while on‑site café uses fresh produce :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
Entry and Visit Details
Entry is free. Visitors can stroll through galleries, watch artists at work, browse shops, or participate in casual activities without charge :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
Workshops & events typically cost between R300–R750, depending on duration and materials (e.g., mosaic bird‑feeder session is R750 for 3 hours) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Bookings are required for classes and The Gardener’s Cottage table reservations. Check the website or call (021 685 6445) for dining and event bookings :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
History and Architecture
The site originated as a forested estate noted by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. In 1696, it became the first brewer’s site in Cape Town. The brick homestead built in 1875 and adjoining stables (c. 1880) are fine examples of Victorian farm architecture :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
In 1888 brewer Anders Ohlsson acquired the estate, renaming it Montebello. After industrial decline, the property was donated in 1988 by Cecil Michaelis to UCT with the purpose of creating an arts centre. Earnings of the centre are reinvested in community outreach and training :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
Things to Do at Montebello Design Centre
- Explore craft studios & galleries: Meet artists working in clay, glass, metal, textiles, sculpture and upcycled materials.
- Attend workshops: Learn mosaic work, ceramic painting, printmaking, beading, etc. via scheduled sessions :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
- Tree Walk: Self‑guided tour under Camphor trees (planted ~1750), with plaques explaining their botanical and cultural history :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- Shop local crafts: The Montebello Shop stocks items made on-site, featuring upcycled and alien vegetation furniture :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
- Enjoy refreshments: Relax at The Gardener’s Cottage or Picnic Café & Deli under giant trees :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
- Join events: Night‑garden evenings, live music, markets, exhibitions and collaboration showcases.
- Co‑working and start‑ups: D‑Desk and Montebello Labs offer co‑working spaces, incubator support and creative mentorship :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
Interesting Facts
- The stables date from around 1880 and are among the finest structures of that period in South Africa :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
- Cecil Michaelis, son of Max Michaelis, studied art in Oxford and bequeathed the site to encourage African design :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
- Montebello Labs, launched in 2014, is a 'Black‑Badge' incubator for socially responsive design start‑ups :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
- The 1750‑era Camphor trees were valued for medicinal bark and insect‑repellent properties :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
- Studio spaces include the Ikwezi Art Centre, supporting disadvantaged township artists :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
Tips for Visiting Montebello Design Centre
- Plan at least two hours to browse shops, galleries, nurseries, and cafés; longer if attending workshops.
- Bring a reusable bag or basket—you’ll want to support local artisans.
- Book workshops and restaurant tables online or via phone to avoid disappointment.
- Visit during spring when the gardens and trees bloom.
- Wear comfortable shoes—explore uneven pathways and tree‑lined courtyards.
- Check online for special events—night‑garden evenings and artisan markets are particularly charming.
- Perfect venue for family photos, lunch‑dates, educational visits or inspiring creative thinking.
- Support outreach by purchasing Ikwezi art and other township‑based studio products.
- Arrive early weekend mornings for a peaceful experience before crowds arrive.
