South African Jewish Museum
Photo courtesy South African Jewish Museum
It took four years, from planning to construction, before the South African Jewish Museum was officially opened by Nelson Mandela in December 2000. Situated along “Museum Mile” in central Cape Town, the museum welcomes visitors with its bold architectural design, interactive multimedia displays and detailed accounts of South African Jewish history.
One section of the museum borders the National Gallery and Company Gardens, an environment steeped in history, culture and religion, where white-washed buildings, fountains, ponds, statues and ancient oak trees hark back to the early days of the Cape colony. The main section faces a paved, landscaped court that links the first synagogue built on South African soil (the Old Synagogue, built in 1863), the Great Synagogue (1905) and the Albow Centre. The latter comprises the South African Jewish Museum Shop, Jacob Gitlin Library, Café Riteve, Cape Town Holocaust Centre and Israel Abrahams Hall.
The museum is interactive and hi-tech, and uses different media to present highlights of South African Jewish history. On view are rare Judaica, video footage of early South African Jewish settlers Barney Barnato and Max Rose, and a documentary about Nelson Mandela that is screened all day.
The South African Jewish Museum serves an education, information and dialogue function that is complemented by its many exhibitions and cultural programmes.
The entrance to the museum is situated in the Old Synagogue. It is open from Sundays to Thursdays from 10h00-17h00 and on Fridays from 10h00-14h00. It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, but remains open on public holidays. Admission costs R50 for adults, R35 for South African pensioners, R20 for learners up to age 20 and R15 for school children. Groups are offered special rates by prior arrangement.
- Phone: +27 (0)21 465 1546
- Email: info at sajewishmuseum dot co dot za
- Website: http://www.sajewishmuseum.co.za
- Physical Address: 88 Hatfield Street, Gardens
Walking in Cape Town
Many visitors want to explore nature on higher ground as soon as they arrive in Cape Town and with Lion’s Head and Table Mountain beckoning, many do get to experience the local flora and fauna on foot. However, the entire peninsula can be enjoyed by avid walkers. From Blouberg Beach, with its picture perfect views from its sandy shores, to the more adventurous guided Hoerikwaggo Trails along the spine of Table Mountain, visitors have an expanse of ground to cover.
Castle Military Museum
The Castle Military Museum is housed in the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, which was declared a national monument in 1936.
The Castle Military Museum is a tribute to the brave regiments of the past, providing an insight into the political history of the country and celebrating the rich military history of the Cape. Then Minister of Defence Joe Modise officially opened the Castle Military Museum on August 1, 1995.
South African Rugby Museum
Cape Town sport enthusiasts are lucky enough to live in the city that is home to the South African Rugby Museum. Located just a drop kick away from the Newlands Rugby Stadium in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, home of the Stormers, the South African Rugby Museum is a full of tokens, collector’s items, memorabilia and history of one of the country’s most watched sports.
Historic buildings and architecture in Cape Town
As the oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town boasts a number of historical buildings, many of which are still in use today and open to visitors. The city’s architecture is a testament to the many varying influences in South Africa’s unique history.
Art galleries in Cape Town
More than 100 art galleries – as diverse as the colours daubed on an artist’s palette – await discovery in and around Cape Town.
Reviews
Be the first to review this provider.
Add your review
Book
Accommodation online
Cape Town Tourism has over 1000 accredited establishments to choose from. Find your perfect match and get booking now.
