Discover Cape Town’s Iziko South African Museum: What You Should Know Before Visiting

Cape Town’s Iziko South African Museum is a gem for history buffs, families, and curious travelers alike. Located in Company’s Gardens, it is a journey through South Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage, with over 1.5 million exhibits that span millions of years—from ancient fossils to the modern history of African cultures.

Whether you’re intrigued by prehistoric creatures or want to dive into the cultural history of South Africa, this museum is a must-visit. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Summary of Visiting Iziko South African Museum

Main Attraction	Top Activity	Why You Should Visit	Most Important Factor to Consider	Budget Friendly
Whale Well	View the giant blue whale skeleton	See the impressive 20.5-meter whale skeleton and hear recorded whale songs	Best enjoyed with kids due to its interactive nature	✔
Fossils and Ancient Life	Explore fossils from Gondwana	View fossils from 250 million years ago, including early mammal ancestors	Ideal for prehistoric and dinosaur enthusiasts	✔
Sharkworld	See shark jaws and rare marine life	Features massive shark jaws and a Coelacanth, a rare living fossil	Perfect for marine life fans and kids	✔
African Cultures Exhibit	Explore San Rock Art and cultural artifacts	Showcases tools, art, and customs from Southern Africa’s indigenous people	Great for those interested in anthropology and cultural history	✔
Iziko Planetarium	Watch immersive shows about space	Cutting-edge visuals offer a journey through the cosmos	Check the show schedule in advance for the latest themes	✔
Discovery Room	Hands-on learning for kids	Interactive exhibits help children explore the natural world	Great for families with young children	✔

A Glimpse into History: About the Iziko South African Museum

History and Heritage

Established in 1825, the Iziko South African Museum is South Africa’s oldest museum. It serves as a research hub and education center, housing an extensive collection of fossils, cultural artifacts, and biological specimens. The museum’s building, situated in Company’s Gardens, became its permanent home in 1897, offering visitors a picturesque setting in the heart of Cape Town.

Iziko is an isiXhosa word meaning “hearth,” symbolizing the gathering of knowledge and the sharing of cultural stories. The museum fulfills this mission by offering insights into South Africa’s past and present, educating both tourists and locals.

Top Exhibits You Don’t Want to Miss

There are a lot of exhibits at Iziko, but we hold a special place for the following exhibits.

Whale Well

One of the most famous attractions in the museum, the Whale Well showcases the 20.5-meter blue whale skeleton. But the exhibit offers more than just a visual spectacle—you can listen to recorded whale songs, making it a multi-sensory experience. It’s a hit with both adults and children.

Fossils and Ancient Life

Step back in time and explore the museum’s Karoo fossils, which date back 250 million years, showing a period when the area was part of the supercontinent Gondwana. The exhibit includes the fossils of mammal-like reptiles, which are believed to be some of the earliest ancestors of mammals. Dinosaur skeletons also feature prominently, ensuring this section captivates visitors of all ages.

Marine Life and Sharkworld

In Sharkworld, visitors can explore the fascinating world of sharks and other marine creatures that inhabit South Africa’s waters. The exhibit features massive shark jaws, models of deep-sea fish, and highlights like the Coelacanth, a rare fish thought extinct until it was rediscovered in 1938.

Cultural Heritage: African Cultures Exhibit

This exhibit showcases the material culture of Southern Africa’s indigenous people, including tools and artifacts used by hunter-gatherer societies. A major highlight is the collection of San Rock Art, some of the oldest artistic representations in the world.

You’ll also find exhibits that detail the customs of the Nguni and Sotho–Tswana peoples, offering a window into Southern Africa’s diverse cultures.

The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome

An Immersive Cosmic Experience

The Iziko Planetarium is a cutting-edge attraction offering immersive audio-visual experiences about space. With shows that change monthly, visitors can explore the cosmos through high-definition projections. This facility is particularly popular with families, as it offers something for visitors of all ages.

Educational Programs and Behind-the-Scenes Tours

The museum is not only a place to view exhibits but also an important educational hub. It offers programs for schools, families, and general visitors alike. Scientists at the museum frequently lead workshops and educational tours, sharing their knowledge and giving participants hands-on experiences.

A unique aspect of the museum is its behind-the-scenes tours, where visitors can see how the museum operates and even view specimens that are not on public display.

These workshops often focus on environmental issues and conservation, helping visitors understand South Africa’s natural history more deeply.

Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Activities

Kid-Friendly Exhibits

Families visiting the museum will find plenty to keep the young ones engaged. The Discovery Room offers a hands-on experience where children can explore real specimens and learn through interactive activities. This area is perfect for engaging young minds with natural history.

Dinosaur and Marine Life Exhibits

Children love the dinosaur skeletons and marine exhibits, particularly the large shark jaws and skeletons. These displays bring ancient and modern creatures to life, sparking curiosity and excitement in young visitors.

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Hours, and Practical Tips

Opening Hours and Admission Fees

The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Christmas Day and major holidays. Tickets are affordably priced at R60 for adults and R30 for children. Students and pensioners can enjoy discounted rates, and there is free entry on commemorative days like Heritage Day and International Museum Day.

Facilities and Accessibility

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and wide corridors. However, it lacks baby-changing facilities, so families with infants should plan accordingly. The museum is also a great option for a rainy day, as it provides an indoor experience that’s both educational and entertaining.

How to Get There: Transport and Parking

The museum is easily accessible via Cape Town’s MyCiTi buses and taxis. If you’re driving, parking is available nearby in the Company’s Gardens parking lot, though it can be limited during peak hours. For those using public transport, the museum’s central location makes it a convenient stop on most routes.

Best Time to Visit

For a more peaceful experience, weekday mornings are ideal. If you’re visiting during Cape Town’s winter (May to August), the museum offers a great way to spend time indoors, away from the rain. It’s definitely one of the best attractions to visit in Cape Town in the winter, but that shouldn’t keep you from visiting it if you’re in Cape Town during the summer.

Also, remember that the planetarium shows change monthly, so check the schedule in advance to catch the latest themes.

Events and Special Exhibitions

Throughout the year, the museum hosts special exhibits and events. San Heritage Day and marine conservation events are just two examples of the unique experiences offered. The museum regularly updates its website with details of new exhibits, so it’s worth checking before your visit to see what’s on.

Behind-the-Scenes Experiences

One of the most exciting parts of the museum is the opportunity to join behind-the-scenes tours led by scientists. These tours allow visitors to explore areas typically closed to the public, offering a rare glimpse into how the museum preserves and studies its massive collection of specimens. It’s an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in the inner workings of a world-class museum.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Booking Tickets in Advance

Although tickets are available at the door, consider booking them online, especially during peak seasons. This ensures you can skip the queue and enjoy more time exploring the museum’s exhibits.

What to Bring

Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum covers several floors with plenty to see. Some exhibit halls are air-conditioned, so a light jacket is advisable. And if you’re visiting with young children, be prepared with snacks as the museum doesn’t have extensive dining options.

Photography Tips

Photography without flash is allowed in most parts of the museum. However, certain exhibits may have restrictions, so be sure to check the signage before taking photos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Iziko South African Museum

What are the opening hours of the Iziko South African Museum?

The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except for major holidays like Christmas.

How much are tickets to the Iziko South African Museum?

Tickets cost R60 for adults and R30 for children. There are also discounts for students and pensioners, and entry is free on special days like Heritage Day.

Is the Iziko South African Museum family-friendly?

Yes, the museum is highly family-friendly, offering interactive exhibits like the Discovery Room for children. Dinosaur skeletons and marine life displays are also major attractions for kids.

How accessible is the museum for visitors with disabilities?

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and wide pathways. However, it does not offer baby-changing facilities.

What’s the best way to get to the museum?

The museum is easily accessible via public transport, including MyCiTi buses and taxis. If driving, parking is available at the Company’s Gardens parking lot, though spaces can be limited during peak hours.

Are there any special discounts or free entry days?

Yes, the museum offers discounted tickets for students, pensioners, and children. Additionally, free entry is available on special days like Heritage Day and International Museum Day.