This national monument on Greenmarket Square was built in 1755, in the Cape Rococo style, and initially served as the house of the night patrol and the magistrate’s court until 1839, when it was claimed as a town hall by the newly formed municipality. After renovations in 1915, the building was handed over to the Union Government for use as an art gallery.

The original collection was donated to the city by the wealthy financier Sir Max Michaelis in 1914. It was added to by Lady Michaelis after the death of her husband in 1932.

The collection consists of a world-renowned selection of Dutch and Flemish art from the seventeenth century Golden Age. The portraits are particularly interesting, offering an insight into Dutch society at the time. After hours, the gallery becomes an active cultural centre, hosting chamber-music concerts, and interesting lectures.