Zeitz MOCAA was founded with the vision of being the first major museum in Africa, and a leading museum in the world, dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.

From its inception, the aim was to become a place that draws people from around the world and to have the cultural, environmental and social relevance of a prestigious international art museum in an African context.

Moreover, the museum was founded around the desire to provide access to a core collection of art to the public; and to create an institution that advances the knowledge, appreciation and preservation of art, personal liberties, equality, freedom of speech, and democracy.