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One name, many museums
Cape Town's Iziko Museums
The National Gallery in Cape Town,
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
The Castle of good Hope in Cape Town is the oldest building in South Africa.
Cape Town's Iziko Museums are a collection of African museums that aim to and inspire South Africa's people (and her visitors) to celebrate the diverse heritage, history and culture of this unique country.
Iziko Museums Cape Town, the organisation, was created in order to better manage and promote this collection of heritage sites and artifacts under one umbrella. The concept is to create a combined museum service for the benefit of present and future generations. The Iziko Museums are a hub of cultural activity and serve as storage venues for South Africa's diverse heritage.
The Iziko Museums represent urban museums in Cape Town and consist of: Bo-Kaap Museum; Groot Constantia Manor House, Koopmans-De Wet House; Maritime Centre; Michaelis Collection at The Old Town House; the Planetarium; Rust en Vreugd; SAS Somerset; Slave Lodge; Social History Centre; South African Museum; South African National Gallery; Bertram House and The William Fehr Collection at The Castle of Good Hope.
The Iziko Museums of South Africa also have education and public programmes, offering a learning experience for everyone - no matter what their age or level of interest. There are fascinating school programmes that focus on the incredible art collections, social and natural history departments and the Planetarium School Programme is a major highlight. The public programmes are very well attended, and include workshops, lectures, workshops and a sought-after winter school.
You will find exhibitions on at various of the Iziko Museums, some are permanent exhibitions - while others are of a more temporary (and contemporary) nature. Please take a look at the latest Iziko Museums calender on their website for an updated look at what is on at the moment.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
The Iziko Museums are scattered around Cape Town but all are accessible by car and taxi, some by bus and train. Consult the Iziko website for more details on travel.
Around the area
Day trips around the Peninsula are great - also tours to the various wine estates around Cape Town.
Tours to do
Check the listed Cape Town Tourism website for tour company options.
Get around
The Iziko Museums in central Cape Town are accessible by foot once you're in the area.
What will it cost
Admission to the museums is free of charge for visitors 18 years or under (excluding Planetarium and Castle of Good Hope).
South African Museum, South African National Gallery, Slave Lodge, Groot Constantia Manor House - Adults: R20; Students and SA pensioners: R10
The Planetarium - Adults: R25; Children, Students and SA Pensioners: R10.
South African Museum, South African National Gallery, Slave Lodge, Groot Constantia Manor House - Adults: R20; Students and SA pensioners: R10
The Planetarium - Adults: R25; Children, Students and SA Pensioners: R10.
Length of stay
To visit all of the museums under the Iziko umbrella will take several days. However you will not need more than half a day for each.
Where to stay
There are plenty of hotels, B&B's and guest house in and around Cape Town, close to the museum locations.
What to eat
Try one of the many bistro's, lunch spots and deli's in central Cape Town.
What's happening
Check the listed Cape Town Tourism website for details of events during your stay. Visit the Iziko Museums website for an update on current exhibitions.
Best buys
Visit Greenmarket Square and cruise the rows of stalls where you can choose from a wide range of crafts and collectibles.