Cape Town Diamond Museum

Discover a story more than three billion years in the making at the Cape Town Diamond Museum, where the extraordinary origins of natural diamonds and South Africa’s diamond heritage come to life.

Situated in the Waterfront’s historic Clock Tower Precinct, the Cape Town Diamond Museum invites you to explore the remarkable journey of a natural diamond, from its formation deep within the earth to the precision cutting and polishing that reveal its brilliance.
Through expert-guided storytelling, historical artefacts and mining simulations, travel back to the discoveries that transformed South Africa’s history. Explore the diamond fields of Kimberley, discover the events behind the diamond rush, and meet the pioneering figures who helped shape the country’s place in the world of diamonds.

Encounter life-size replicas of celebrated stones, including the Cullinan, Hope and Taylor-Burton diamonds. Each tells a distinctive story of discovery, beauty and provenance, offering a closer appreciation of the natural treasures that have captivated generations.
The experience also reveals the artistry behind a polished diamond. Discover how skilled craftsmen study each rough stone, shaping and polishing its facets to bring its individual character and brilliance to light.

Founded by Shimansky, the Cape Town Diamond Museum is a non-profit organisation dedicated to education and to fostering an appreciation of natural diamonds and South Africa’s diamond heritage.

Location: Level 1, The Clock Tower, Waterfront, Cape Town
Opening hours: Daily, 09:00–20:00
Guided tours: Bookings essential
Tour duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Email: info@capetowndiamondmuseum.org

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Highlights
• Explore South Africa’s diamond heritage and the story of the Kimberley diamond rush.
• Discover how natural diamonds are formed, mined, cut and polished.
• View life-size replicas of some of the world’s most famous diamonds.
• Enjoy an expert-guided museum experience in the V&A Waterfront’s Clock Tower Precinct.