More than 100 young people gathered at the museum for the inaugural Youth in Colour: Sip & Paint and Silent Disco, a Youth Month celebration that reimagined what a museum can be. By blending contemporary youth culture with heritage, the event transformed the museum into an after-hours space where creativity, self-expression and meaningful connection took centre stage.
The innovative programme invited young people to experience museums differently—proving that heritage spaces can be just as vibrant as they are educational.
A Fresh Take on the Museum Experience
Youth in Colour was designed to bridge the gap between culture and contemporary lifestyles.
Guests first participated in a guided Sip & Paint session, creating artwork in an inspiring museum setting before moving into an immersive Silent Disco experience, where music filled the room through wireless headphones.
The event was hosted by Siphiwo “Spitch” Nzawumbi, while Nkosinathi Mtshali kept the energy flowing as master of ceremonies.
The Silent Disco featured performances by Mr Thela, DJ Ceerah, DJ Amaze and DJ Kixi, delivering a soundtrack that celebrated youth culture while creating an unforgettable atmosphere inside one of South Africa’s leading heritage institutions.
Museums Can Be Spaces for Everyone
One of the strongest outcomes of the evening was the enthusiastic response from young attendees, many of whom embraced the opportunity to enjoy arts, culture and entertainment in an unexpected environment.
The event highlighted a growing appetite for alternative social experiences that combine creativity, wellness and authentic cultural engagement.
Rather than replacing the museum’s heritage role, Youth in Colour demonstrated how these spaces can evolve to remain relevant while welcoming new audiences who may not traditionally participate in museum programmes.
By opening its doors after hours and embracing contemporary programming, Iziko Museums of South Africa created an experience that encouraged networking, artistic expression and community building in a culturally significant setting.
Building the Future of Museum Experiences
Reflecting on the success of the event, Namhla Moyeni, Business Development and Fundraising Manager at Iziko Museums of South Africa, said the overwhelming response demonstrated the potential for museums to become vibrant gathering spaces for young people.
“Today’s success demonstrates that museums can be vibrant spaces where young people come together to create, connect, and celebrate culture in new and exciting ways. Thank you to our partners, artists, and everyone who made Youth in Colour such a memorable experience. We look forward to building on this momentum with many more innovative programmes at Iziko Museums of South Africa.”
More Innovative Experiences on the Horizon
Following the success of Youth in Colour, Iziko Museums of South Africa plans to continue developing youth-focused programmes that combine heritage, music, visual arts and wellbeing.
The organisation hopes to further position museums as inclusive spaces where learning, creativity and community can flourish together.
Visitors can also look forward to the museum’s upcoming Women’s Day 2026 programme, which will include wellness experiences, a long-table discussion and a concert featuring some of South Africa’s established artists and performers.
Youth in Colour proved that when heritage meets creativity, museums become more than places that preserve history—they become spaces where the next generation can help shape it.
