Media Announcement

(CAPE TOWN, 11 May 2025): It is with profound sorrow that the Trustees of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) announce the sudden passing of Koyo Kouoh (57), our beloved Executive Director and Chief Curator, on Saturday, 10 May 2025. Our thoughts are with Koyo’s family at this time.

Out of respect, the museum closed to the public and suspended all public programming before reopening on Tuesday, 13 May at 10 am.

Those who wish to honour and pay respects to the remarkable legacy, leadership, and dedication of Koyo Kouoh, may do so at Zeitz MOCAA’s Scheryn Arena on Level 0 of the museum. 

Guests may also leave messages of condolence and remembrance in the space.

Those unable to visit the museum are welcome to add a message to the digital TRIBUTES. 

We are navigating this difficult season and ask that you please follow the Zeitz MOCAA social media platforms and visit our dedicated webpage where we will continue to share updates as further details are confirmed.

Image credit: ©Mirjam Kluka

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Please find the media toolkit with biography, portraits and image credit here.

Media enquiries:

Esther Henderson
Communications Manager
esther.henderson@zeitzmocaa.museum
Call/WhatsApp: +27 61 982 1437
Direct: +27 (0)87 350 4771 / Switchboard +27 (0)87 350 4777.

Issued by Zeitz MOCAA Communications.

About Zeitz MOCAA

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a public not-for-profit institution that collects, preserves, researches and exhibits contemporary art from Africa and its Diaspora; conceives and hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational, discursive and enrichment programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and strives towards access for all. The museum’s galleries feature rotating temporary exhibitions with a dedicated space for the permanent collection. The institution also includes the BMW Centre for Art Education and The Atelier, a museum residency programme for artists living and working in Cape Town.

Zeitz MOCAA is situated at the Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, and is open Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm (with last entry at 5.30 pm). zeitzmocaa.museum