Private Museums Cultural Experiences In Cape Town

huohongk25

Museums off the Beaten Track
Cape Town has many popular museums that vary from those that chronicle the history of imprisonment on Robben Island to the Iziko South African Museum that offers a fascinating insight into our world’s natural history. And while it is these that usually make it to the forefront of the guide books,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], there are many other fascinating museums in Cape Town that should not be missed.
Rhodes Cottage Museum is situated just outside Muizenberg and offers a stunning view of False Bay in its vast and sparkling entirety. Many years ago this quaint cottage was a refuge for the great Cecil John Rhodes and was the place of his eventual death. The garden is a unique blend of English country charm and traditional Cape Fynbos, and is lovingly tended to and retains its beauty and glory. Sit back and enjoy a cup of tea while the dedicated volunteer guides teach you about Rhodes’ fascinating life and the role he had to play in the establishment of Cape Town as the spectacular city that it is today.
The Bo Kaap Museum building itself is a rare example of early urban Cape Dutch architecture and was once home to many people of the Islamic faith following the abolition of slavery. A trip around this museum offers a unique insight into Muslim cultural heritage and is a fascinating introduction to this religion. This historical building pays special tribute to the Muslims of the Cape,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], highlighting their adaptation to living in a new land and the distinctive traditions that arose.
The Cape Medical Museum is a must for both history and medical buffs alike. This quaint museum takes visitors right back in time to the turn of the century where dentists’ offices didn’t have electric chairs or drills. Each exhibit reconstructs a historical medical procedure, vividly illustrating what it was like to go to the doctor 100 years ago. This museum has a strong emphasis on African medicine and is an enlightening introduction to sangomas, herbalists and traditional healers.
Slave Lodge is one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town and was built in 1679 as a home for the slaves of the Dutch East India Company. The museum now celebrates the family roots and ancestry of the people of South Africa and documents how the Cape played its part in the international slave trade. A darkened room transports visitors back to a time of oppression and slavery as sounds, images and animations create an eerie feeling of what it was like to live in Slave Lodge in the 17th century.
Paarl Museum offers an eclectic mix of the Cape’s and mankind’s history. Exhibits track the evolution of African man from the early homo erectus to the Khoisan to the colonialists and slaves. Fascinating archaeological finds from the area illustrate this evolution alongside Cape antiques, artefacts,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], documents and photographs that teach people about the rich history of Paarl. The many exhibitions change throughout the year, but all carry the same aim of promoting tolerance amongst today’s inhabitants of the area.
Specialist Art Galleries
The Michaelis Collection is housed in Cape Town’s former City Hall in the heart of the vibrant Green Market Square. As some of the first settlers to the Cape, Dutch influences abound in this city and the connection to this European country is still strong. A day spent amongst these great works offers insight into the roots and ancestry of many Capetonians. The Collection features Nederlandish art from the 17th century, which is credited to many great artists such as Jan Steen and Frans Hals.
The Marvol Museum is beautifully situated on the recently restored Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Owned by Russian businessman Dr Mark Voloshin, the Marvol Museum offers a unique experience of a blend of African and Russian cultures. The displays of priceless Faberge Eggs are unparalleled outside of Russia and the ancient works of art offer further insight into this incredible country. The museum also acts as a platfor