10 History Museums in Western Cape That You Shouldn't Miss

October 7, 2021 Vivienne Hutton

South Africa’s most popular tourist destination offers the urban thrills of Cape Town, its adjacent wine country and an aura of the rich political history of South Africa. The Overberg's perfect whale-watching perches provide excitement of a different nature. The Garden Route's lakes and forests and the Klein Karoo's ostrich-farming towns and vineyards present another take on the Cape. For extra kicks, try bungee jumping or cage-diving among Great Whites.
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1. The Blombos Museum of Archeology

De Jager Homestead, Langenhoven Road, Stilbaai 6674 South Africa +27 28 754 3247
Excellent
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The Blombos Museum of Archeology

2. Janine Iron and Washing Museum

Hartenbos, Mossel Bay South Africa +27 83 283 3831 [email protected]
Excellent
87%
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Janine Iron and Washing Museum

The museum consists of more then 640 laundry irons, mostly rare and some only existing examples left. Also more then 50 rare washing machines and mangles dated back from the 1800, some are claimed to be of the only remaining in the world. The museum are packed with other rare antique laundry related items. Some non-laundry related items are also included.

Reviewed By 46sharonu - Centurion, South Africa

Make sure you see the video prior to browsing through this wonderful museum. Spent a good hour and a half here and we were amazed at the thoughtfullness that has gone into putting this collection together. Both my hubby and my kids (teenagers) found this to be a hidden gem! If you're in the area you should give it a try, you wont be disappointed!

3. Genadendal Mission Museum

Kerk St, Malagas 7234 South Africa +27 28 251 8582 [email protected] http://www.greytontourism.com/activity/genadendal-historic-village-and-museum/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Genadendal Mission Museum

The Genadendal Mission Museum strives towards being a dynamic institution, which focuses on the preservation of the Genadendal heritage. This heritage is understood to encompass the culture and history of the inhabitants, mainly of mission stations, and their relationship with the people in South Africa and the world. In order to do this we develop, preserve and exhibit these collection.

Reviewed By Yellowblood - Sandbaai, South Africa

This museum rates for me one of the best historical experiences of my life! I learned so much about my own country’s history! And it was really special to have a guide explain the history of the Moravian church. It makes a museum visit special to have someone to tell the story behind the story. Well done guys! Really special!

4. The Cape Malay Art Exhibition- Bo Kaap

106 Wale Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 83 564 6009 [email protected]
Excellent
89%
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

The Cape Malay Art Exhibition- Bo Kaap

Exhibition of Art dedicated to the struggles of the Cape Malay people and their achievements and contributions to the South African culture and society. Experience the Sight, sounds and taste of Bo kaap the heart of the Cape Malay people

5. The Stellenbosch Village Museum

18 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa +27 21 887 2902 [email protected] http://www.stelmus.co.za/village_museum.htm
Excellent
46%
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4.5 based on 373 reviews

The Stellenbosch Village Museum

Reviewed By Peter_guest - London, United Kingdom

A quartet of historic houses in the centre of Stellenbosch form this fascinating museum. Each one is historically furnished and takes the visitor back over centuries of local history. These are some of the oldest and best-preserved buildings in South Africa, well worth a visit.

6. Wellington Museum

Church Street, Wellington 7654 South Africa 027 21 8734710 [email protected] http://www.wellingtonmuseum.co.za
Excellent
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

Wellington Museum

7. Drostdy Museum

18 Swellengrebel Street, Swellendam 6740 South Africa +27 28 514 1138 [email protected] http://www.drostdymuseum.com/
Excellent
48%
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4.5 based on 453 reviews

Drostdy Museum

This former government building, an architectural treasure in itself, is now a museum containing some impressive artifacts. Particularly noteworthy is a collection of late 18th and early 19th century Cape furniture.

Reviewed By DannyB_11 - London, United Kingdom

Open air type museum with numerous buildings displaying bygone lifestyles and crafts. Including a magistrates home with courthouse. Lovely couple of hours wander.

8. Groot Drakenstein Prison (Victor Verster Prison)

R301, Paarl South Africa +27 21 864 8000 http://www.capegov.com
Excellent
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4.5 based on 71 reviews

Groot Drakenstein Prison (Victor Verster Prison)

Home to Nelson Mandela for the last fourteen months of his long political imprisonment, this surprisingly idyllic minimum security prison is now a registered historic site.

9. Chavonnes Battery Museum

East Quay Clock Tower Precinct, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Central 8000 South Africa +27 21 416 6230 [email protected] http://www.chavonnesbattery.co.za/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 114 reviews

Chavonnes Battery Museum

Relive the early history of Cape Town through fascinating artifacts, detailed displays, exhibits and information boards. Step below sea level to the sand of the original Cape Town shoreline and explore the Archaeological ruins of this Dutch East India Company fortification that has been buried for 140 years. Explore a robust schedule International Photo Exhibitions.

Reviewed By Kyrgyzstan1 - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

I'm looking for a Museum in Cape town where the first mailbox is located. the stone under which sailors left letters to Europe at the Cape of Good Hope

10. Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre

88 Hatfield Street Gardens, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 462 5553 [email protected] http://www.ctholocaust.co.za/
Excellent
75%
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4.5 based on 122 reviews

Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre

The Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre works towards creating a more caring and just society in which human rights and diversity are respected and valued. Through our exhibitions, events and workshops we endeavour to commemorate the victims and survivors of the Nazi regime and the numerous genocides that happened before and since the Holocaust. We do this to highlight the consequences of prejudice and racism in all of its forms, and to draw attention to the dangers of indifference, apathy and silence. Please note: When visiting the Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre, please bring along your identification document (ID), drivers license or passport for security purposes.

Reviewed By Waynegreaves - Scunthorpe, United Kingdom

The rollercoaster of emotions one experiences along your journey through the museum is down to the professionalism in the display, layout and information. This is how a museum should be.

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