The Irma Stern Museum at The Firs in Cape Town indefinitely closed its doors to visitors on October 31 following the conclusion of the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Irma Stern Trust’s partnership to manage and operate the museum.
According to an update from October’s UCT Council ordinary meeting, both parties jointly terminated the agreement for operational reasons.
“It was indeed a sad moment when we bid farewell to the Irma Stern Museum, which was established at the property known as The Firs in terms of a memorandum of agreement between UCT and the Irma Stern Trust (now administered by Nedgroup Trust) in 1969. The property is owned by UCT and the artworks and other items are owned by the Trust,” said Norman Arendse, Chair of the UCT Council.
A joint press release confirmed that the collection will move from The Firs, which will be repurposed, to a secure archival facility to ensure continued preservation.
The Trust will announce its plans for the museum and collection in early 2026, the press release stated.
Dianna Yach, Chair of the Irma Stern Museum Committee, said: “This new journey will contribute to the growth of Irma Stern’s legacy more than half a century after her passing. 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 outrage
However, this development has been received with outrage from the public –some are demanding “transparency and accountability” from the Irma Stern Trust regarding the future of The Firs and the collections.
A petition, “Stop the Closure of the Irma Stern Museum”, has gathered over 6 500 signatures, calling for answers from the Trust on the handling of funds and the future of the estate.
Petition organisers have requested clarity on the R24 million (US$1.4 million) raised from the 2022 Strauss & Co sale of 124 works from the Irma Stern Trust as well as confirmation on whether the property remains in the Trust’s ownership. The petition also calls for public participation in decisions about the museum’s future, the renovation of The Firs and a halt to any movement of the collection until oversight by heritage authorities is ensured.
Frank Kilburn, Chairperson of Strauss & Co and former Vice-Chairperson of the Irma Stern Museum Committee, expressed disappointment at the decision and how it was communicated.
“At Strauss & Co, we are dedicated to promoting the legacy of modern and contemporary artists. Irma Stern’s work has gained renewed international attention through major exhibitions and her home, The Firs, has become an integral and much-loved part of the local art landscape,” he said.
Although the partnership between UCT and the Trust served the museum well for decades, financial strain and maintenance challenges have taken their toll, Kilburn added. “The collaboration came under strain given the increased costs of maintaining the ageing Firs building at a level compatible with museum standards and the operating deficit involved in running it as a functioning cultural centre.”
He described the closure as “a shock” to the art community and called for renewed dialogue. “It is regrettable that neither of the parties took the museum committee members into their confidence while negotiating the arrangement nor did they seek the input of industry leaders and interested parties who have dedicated significant time, capital and energy to furthering Irma Stern’s legacy locally and abroad.”
Kilburn urged the Irma Stern Trust and Nedbank to engage directly with the broader art community. “Harnessing the support and goodwill shown could provide an opportunity for renewed thinking about the future of such an iconic asset. We at Strauss & Co are willing to play a constructive role in facilitating this discussion and exploring new solutions.”
UCT declined further comment on this story.
