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In August 2016, the opening of the TRUMPET in Rosebank, Johannesburg, marks the first exciting step in the transformation of Keyes Avenue into an open fusion of art and architecture – where art, design, life, leisure, fun, friends and work will form one seamless experience. This is the vision of Keyes Art Mile – a neighbourhood with art at its heart.
Comparable to a village ‘high street,’ Keyes Art Mile will evolve to include a series of galleries and exhibition spaces showcasing local and international art and design. Residences, cafés, coffee-on-the- go, artisan eateries and a boutique butchery, as well as vibrant shops and spaces new to the Johannesburg scene, complete the experience.
Together with paved streets lined by rows of indigenous trees and plentiful parking facilities, the precinct will breathe new life into and build on the existing heritage of the avenue, home to the historic St Theresa’s School and catholic church, and the 100-year old Everard Read, CIRCA Gallery and Speke.
Patrick Geddes might have imagined a place in the city like Keyes Art Mile, when he said, “A city is more than a place in space, it is a drama in time.” It’s a simple but powerful description of the vision for Keyes Art Mile – a place of inspiration and pure wonder that will instil in people a feeling of local pride, becoming a creative place to connect and to share.
TRUMPET – the first building in this exciting precinct – is a modern mixed-use design by Pierre Swanepoel from StudioMAS. TRUMPET continues the bold architectural journey that was started with the award winning CIRCA building next door on the corner of Keyes Avenue and Jellicoe Avenue.
Three globally respected galleries originating in Cape Town, will open in Johannesburg – SMAC, What If The World and Southern Guild – bringing a selection of South Africa’s world-class artists and designers to Johannesburg to showcase their talents.
Expanding on this artful experience, Anatomy Design, Missibaba and Okapi will sit comfortably beside the timeless modern masters of international design; Kartell, Moroso and Cassina, as well as FLOS Lighting’s unique blend of clean design and technology, while Shelflife will up the cool factor in its fast-flying limited edition sneaker store.
Adding culinary cafe culture to the street front, Milk Bar and BGR’s ‘best burger in town’ will stand alongside the new concept butchery by acclaimed chef David Higgs.
A majestic triple volume atrium leads visitors to the second floor where the MESH Club promises to create “common ground for uncommon people”. This curated, member-based community provides a workspace and platform for entrepreneurs, business minds, artists, professionals and young creatives to connect, network and collaborate in inspiring new ways, surrounded by state-of-the-art technology and a beautifully designed environment.
Crowning the TRUMPET with a breathtaking view over Johannesburg that steals the show, is David Higgs’ much-anticipated restaurant – Marble – a 200-seat masterpiece that brings the performance of live-fire culinary methods to the city.
Keyes Art Mile represents a new approach to living – a place built to inspire and encourage creative living and generosity of design in a highly connected world in the heart of Johannesburg.