Cape Town is known for its rich history since Jan van Riebeek set foot in Cape Town in 1652. Built through the years, there are a few museums in Cape Town honouring historical events and people that made Cape Town what it is today.
When you are in Cape Town there are at least five historical museums that are on our must-visit list.
Top five Historical Museums in Cape Town
The Castle was built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a maritime replenishment station, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa.
Iziko Slave Lodge reflects the long and rich history of Cape Town which is highlighted by the many names it has had in the last three centuries– Slave Lodge, Government Offices Building, Old Supreme Court and SA Cultural History Museum.
The District Six Museum was established in December 1994 and is committed to telling the stories of forced removals and assisting in the reconstitution of the community of District Six and Cape Town.
The Bo-Kaap Museum is situated in a historical area and showcases local Islamic culture and heritage. The colourful houses, steep cobbled streets, the muezzin’s calls to prayer and children traditionally dressed for Madrassa, all add to this unique Cape experience.
Founded in 1825, the museum moved to its present location in the historic Company Gardens in 1897. The museum houses over one million specimens of scientific importance including tools that are around 120,000 years old. Highlights are the recorded whale calls and the dinosaur dioramas.