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Cape Town’s 5 best museums (and what to see)

Southern Africa • See & do • Cape Town’s 5 best museums (and what to see)

The best museums to visit in Cape Town

Cape Town’s museums are where the city’s real stories come to life. These aren’t just places to look at art or relics – they’re where Cape Town’s stories unfold. Each museum is like a key to a different chapter of the city, offering you a chance to dive into its rich mix of cultures, histories and creative energies. From thought-provoking exhibits to artefacts that whisper tales of the past, these spaces invite you to see the city in a new light. Whether you’re chasing inspiration, curiosity or just a cool place to spend an afternoon, Cape Town’s museums are where you’ll find the true essence of the city, told in ways you won’t forget.

Iziko South African Museum

Located in the historic Company’s Garden, the Iziko South African Museum was established in 1825, making it one of the oldest museums in South Africa. It houses over 1.5 million specimens, including fossils, stone tools and cultural artefacts. Notable exhibits include the Whale Well, featuring skeletons of marine mammals and the African Dinosaurs display. The museum also has a planetarium that offers shows on astronomy and space science. Whether you’re interested in the evolution of life on earth or the cultural heritage of South Africa, visiting Iziko South African Museum will enrich your Cape Town experience, leaving you with not only a fond memory but also valuable knowledge.

Iziko South African Museum
25 Queen Victoria St
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Iziko South African Museum

District Six Museum

The District Six Museum is a poignant reminder of Cape Town’s turbulent past. Located in a former Methodist church, the museum preserves the memories of the vibrant District Six, a neighbourhood that was home to a mixed-race community before it was bulldozed in the 1970s. Here you can explore a collection of photographs, artefacts and personal testimonies that bring the history of District Six to life. One of the most moving exhibits is the floor map, where former residents have marked their old homes. The museum also offers guided tours led by ex-residents, providing a deeply personal perspective on the area’s history. One of the must-see exhibits at this museum is the Memory Cloth, where ex-residents have written their memories of District Six, creating a powerful, communal tapestry of voices.

District Six Museum
25A Buitenkant St
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of District Six Museum

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Norval Foundation

The Norval Foundation is a contemporary art museum that blends modern art with breathtaking natural surroundings. Situated in the scenic Steenberg area, this museum and sculpture garden is dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The foundation’s architecture is a work of art in itself, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Inside, you’ll find a rotating selection of exhibitions featuring works by both established and emerging artists. Lady Skollie: Groot Gat, is an exhibition by Cape Town-born artist Lady Skollie is a powerful exhibit that must be viewed, addressing heritage gaps caused by colonialism. The outdoor sculpture garden is also not to be missed, featuring large-scale artworks set amidst indigenous flora, creating a serene environment for art appreciation.

Norval Foundation
4 Steenberg Rd
Tokai
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Norval Foundation

Bo-Kaap Museum

The Bo-Kaap Museum, set in one of Cape Town’s most unique and colourful neighbourhoods, offers a window into the rich cultural heritage of the Cape Malay community. Located in one of the oldest houses in the Bo-Kaap area, dating back to the 1760s, Bo-Kaap Museum showcases the history and traditions of the area, which was once known as the Malay Quarter. Inside, the museum is furnished to reflect the lifestyle of a 19th-century Muslim family, complete with traditional artefacts and household items. Displays of historical documents and photographs tell the story of the Bo-Kaap community and its heritage. There is also a Cape Malay Art Exhibition, dedicated to the struggles and achievements of the Cape Malay people, highlighting their contributions to South African culture.

Bo-Kaap Museum
71 Wale St
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Bo-Kaap Museum

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is an architectural masterpiece that is a must-visit if you appreciate contemporary art. Housed in a transformed grain silo, this nine-story museum is the largest of its kind in Africa, dedicated to contemporary African art. The building itself, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, is a work of art, with its striking cathedral-like atrium. Inside, the museum houses an ever-changing collection of cutting-edge artworks by leading African artists. One must-see display is Cyrus Kabiru’s art, his intricate sculptural works push the boundaries of conventional craftsmanship, sculpture, photography, design and fashion. Also check out the exhibition by South African artist Berni Searle, exploring themes of identity and memory.