The Western Cape Provincial Archives and Records Service

The Western Cape Provincial Archives keep old photographs of and documents about Cape Town, among many other historic items. Photo of Cape Town taken in 1950s courtesy Gavin Orr

The Western Cape Provincial Archives and Records Service, which aims to “foster a national identity and the protection of rights”, is located at 72 Roeland Street in Cape Town.

According to the Provincial Archives and Records Service of the Western Cape Act, public records in the Western Cape are transferred to the Cape Town Archives Repository when they are 20 years or older.

The repository also collects non-public records with enduring value pertaining to the history of Cape Town and the Western Cape and its diverse communities.

These public and non-public records, which date back to 1651, are supplemented by collections of maps, photographs, microfilms, books, pamphlets and official publications.

Records cover documentation relating to institutions including school boards, government offices, provincial hospitals, municipalities and councils.

Photographic collections include a general section and various specific portfolios, such as the Elliott and Ravenscroft collections.

Access to the archives is free. Visitors sign a register at the front desk in the reception hall, which leads on to the reading room, where archives can be viewed.

The archives are open from Mondays to Fridays from 08h00-16h00. On Thursdays the archives are open from 08h00-19h00.

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.

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