Ocular Lounge & Events Space Cape Town is the V&A Waterfront’s most premium and architecturally extraordinary event venue, situated on Level 6 of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in the Silo District, S Arm Road, V&A Waterfront. Offering a mesmerising 270-degree view of Table Mountain and the Mother City, described as possibly the best view of Table Mountain in the city, Ocular Lounge functions as both a multi-functional event space and daytime bistro. On evenings not open to the public, it transforms into a dedicated venue accommodating up to 200 guests for cocktail events and 180 for seated dinners. Part of a 9,500m² custom-designed complex dedicated to contemporary African art, Ocular sits alongside The Atrium and the Rooftop Terrace within the iconic grain silo building that has become one of Cape Town’s defining architectural landmarks since the museum’s founding in 2017.

The Building: A 2017 Architectural Icon Carved from Grain Silos

Zeitz MOCAA occupies the historic grain silo complex at the V&A Waterfront, a custom-designed conversion that transformed the industrial silo structure into Africa’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary African art when it opened in 2017. The museum’s iconic architecture and custom-designed spaces include the cathedral-like Atrium with two scenic elevators, the art-inspired Museum Shop, and the 6th floor Rooftop Terrace and restaurant, Ocular Lounge.

The Atrium itself is a remarkable architectural feature, intricately carved from the dense cellular structure of forty-two tubes that compose the building’s silos. This description captures the dramatic, sculptural quality of the space that hosts events of its own.

270-Degree Views: Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, and Lion’s Head

The defining feature of Ocular Lounge is its view. Perched atop Cape Town’s iconic heritage site, the lounge offers a 270-degree vantage point taking in Table Mountain, the Cape Town CBD, Devil’s Peak, and Lion’s Head, alongside the Silo District and the working harbour below. This is consistently described as possibly the best view of Table Mountain in the city, a claim that few Cape Town venues can credibly make, given Ocular’s elevated position directly above the V&A Waterfront.

Daytime Bistro: African-Inspired Cuisine and Cocktails

During the day, Ocular Lounge & Events Space is open to the public from 10:00 to 17:30, Monday to Sunday. The Zeitz MOCAA Bistro offers a delightful culinary experience with a specialisation in African cuisine, drawing inspiration from the captivating art within the museum. The menu emphasises fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with South African flavours alongside international influences.

Standout dishes include crushed avocado on toast with poached eggs, Norwegian salmon with grain salad, and a chickpea salad that is a popular choice among vegan diners. Guests can enjoy cocktails, fine wine, and delectable food in the lounge, with the Wine Pod providing a unique on-site tasting room experience. The dress code is casual, with smart attire encouraged.

Evening Events: Multi-Functional Premium Venue

On evenings not open to the public, Ocular Lounge transforms into a multi-functional event space that looks out onto the Zeitz MOCAA Rooftop Terrace, the Silo precinct, and the harbour. With capacity for up to 200 guests for cocktail events and 180 for a seated dinner in what’s referred to as the Mountain Side Venue, Ocular is described as Cape Town’s most premium events space and day time eatery.

Premium Bespoke Events is the company’s specialty, with a devoted team that specialises in crafting flawlessly executed and personalised functions, committed to guiding clients every step of the way.

The Rooftop Terrace: Open-Air Events and Weddings for 100

Located on the 6th floor between the Silo Hotel and the Ocular Restaurant, the Rooftop Terrace is an open-air venue with stunning views of the Silo District, Cape Town CBD, Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, and Lion’s Head. The Rooftop Terrace is perfect for open-air cocktail events and weddings, accommodating up to 100 people for a cocktail event.

The Atrium: Art-Immersive Event Space

The Atrium, the central, cathedral-like space carved from the silo building’s tube structure, is one of the complex’s two magnificent venue spaces alongside Ocular Lounge. Hosting an event in The Atrium means immersing guests in the grandeur of artistic expression, with the museum’s rotating exhibitions and permanent collection providing an unparalleled cultural backdrop.

Integration of Art and Culture

Beyond its scenic beauty and event capabilities, Ocular Lounge is part of the larger Zeitz MOCAA complex, which dedicates 9,500m² to the exhibition of contemporary African art. This integration of art and culture enhances the overall experience for event guests, providing a unique blend of aesthetic pleasure and intellectual stimulation that distinguishes Ocular from conventional hotel and conference venues.

Location and Contact Details

Ocular Lounge & Events Space is on the 6th Floor, Zeitz MOCAA, Silo District, S Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, within the V&A Waterfront precinct, alongside the Silo Hotel.

Tel: +27 63 756 1348
Instagram: @zeitzmocaaevents
Facebook: @ZeitzMOCAAOcularEvents
Public Hours: 10:00–17:30, Monday to Sunday

For private event enquiries, bespoke function packages, and to view the event portfolio, menu, and beverage list, visit Zeitz MOCAA Events’ official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum capacity for events at Ocular Lounge?
A: Ocular Lounge accommodates up to 200 guests for cocktail events and 180 for seated dinners. The Rooftop Terrace accommodates up to 100 people for cocktail events. The Atrium also serves as an additional event space with its own capacity.

Q: What are the public opening hours for Ocular Lounge?
A: Ocular Lounge is open to the public from 10:00 to 17:30, Monday to Sunday. On evenings not open to the public, it transforms into a dedicated private event venue. During the day, it operates as a bistro serving African-inspired cuisine.

Q: What makes the view from Ocular Lounge special?
A: Ocular Lounge offers a 270-degree vantage point taking in Table Mountain, the Cape Town CBD, Devil’s Peak, and Lion’s Head. It is consistently described as possibly the best view of Table Mountain in the city. The elevated position directly above the V&A Waterfront provides unparalleled panoramic views.

Q: Where exactly is Ocular Lounge located?
A: Ocular Lounge is on the 6th Floor of Zeitz MOCAA, Silo District, S Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001. It is situated within the V&A Waterfront precinct, alongside the Silo Hotel. The venue is part of the iconic grain silo building that houses Africa’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary African art.

Q: What type of cuisine does the Zeitz MOCAA Bistro serve?
A: The bistro specialises in African cuisine, drawing inspiration from the art within the museum. The menu emphasises fresh, locally sourced ingredients with South African flavours alongside international influences. Standout dishes include crushed avocado on toast with poached eggs, Norwegian salmon with grain salad, and a chickpea salad popular among vegan diners.

Q: Can I host a wedding at Ocular Lounge?
A: Yes, Ocular Lounge and its Rooftop Terrace are both perfect for weddings. The Rooftop Terrace is an open-air venue accommodating up to 100 people for cocktail events, while Ocular Lounge can host up to 200 guests for cocktail events or 180 for seated dinners. The venue specialises in Premium Bespoke Events with a devoted team committed to guiding clients every step of the way.

Q: What is unique about the building that houses Ocular Lounge?
A: Ocular Lounge is housed in the historic grain silo complex, which was transformed into Zeitz MOCAA when it opened in 2017. The Atrium is intricately carved from the dense cellular structure of forty-two tubes that compose the building’s silos. The custom-designed conversion created Africa’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary African art, spanning 9,500m².

Q: What other event spaces are available at Zeitz MOCAA?
A: In addition to Ocular Lounge, the complex offers The Atrium, a cathedral-like space carved from the silo building’s tube structure, and the Rooftop Terrace, an open-air venue on the 6th floor. The Atrium provides an art-immersive event space with rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection. All venues offer unique architectural features and stunning views of Cape Town.

Explore more premium event venues at the V&A Waterfront and across Cape Town through our Cape Town event venues directory, or browse all Western Cape event venue listings for venues across the province.