Heritage Day 2025: Explore Cape Town Museums for free with Iziko Museums of South Africa!

Iziko Museums of South Africa is once again bringing South Africa’s history and culture to life with the in_herit Festival 2025. This annual celebration of the country’s rich and diverse heritage will include free entry to selected Iziko Museums in Cape Town on Heritage Day, 24 September 2025.

Visitors can explore some of the Mother City’s most iconic cultural sites for free, including:

• Iziko South African Museum – showcasing natural history, fossils, and archaeology
• Iziko South African National Gallery – home to local and international art collections
• Iziko Slave Lodge – telling the stories of Cape Town’s complex slave history
• Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum – celebrating Cape Malay heritage and culture
• Castle of Good Hope – South Africa’s oldest surviving colonial building
• Groot Constantia Manor House – part of the historic Constantia wine estate

Important: Free entry does not apply to the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome.

Iziko Museums of South Africa manages 11 national museums across Cape Town, along with specialized libraries, a Social History Archive, and the most advanced Digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African continent.

Make the most of Heritage Day 2025 by exploring Cape Town's history, art, and culture - free of charge!

 

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Cape Town: Free admission to select Iziko Museums on Women’s Day (09 August 2025)!

Celebrate South Africa's National Women’s Day on 09 August 2025 by exploring some of Cape Town’s most iconic museums - for free! The Iziko Museums of South Africa is offering complimentary entry to a selection of its museums in honour of the day.

Participating museums include:

Iziko South African Museum
25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
Founded in 1825, this is the oldest museum in Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s world-renowned for its extensive collections in natural history and paleontology, including fossils, marine life, early human artifacts, and ancient rock art. A must-visit for families and science enthusiasts alike.

Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum
71 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap
Located in the heart of the vibrant Bo-Kaap district, this museum celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Cape Malay and Muslim communities. Explore stories of resilience, faith, and tradition in one of Cape Town's most photogenic neighborhoods.

Iziko Slave Lodge
Corner of Adderley and Wale Streets, Cape Town
Housed in one of South Africa's oldest buildings, the Slave Lodge presents powerful exhibitions on slavery, colonialism, and human rights. A moving and educational experience aimed at fostering reflection, awareness, and social justice.

Iziko South African National Gallery
Government Avenue, Company's Garden
South Africa's leading national art museum showcases a diverse collection of classical and contemporary art from South Africa, the continent, and Europe. Exhibits include painting, photography, sculpture, and new media - perfect for art lovers and casual visitors alike. 

Please note - Free entry does not apply to the following Iziko-managed sites:

• Groot Constantia
• Castle of Good Hope
• Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums across Cape Town, as well as specialist libraries, the Social History Centre, and Africa’s most advanced digital planetarium. Covering themes from natural history and art to social justice and science, Iziko’s institutions are cornerstones of education, reflection, and cultural preservation in South Africa.

 

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Free entry to select Iziko Museums in Cape Town on Youth Day (16 June 2025)!

Great news for culture and history lovers! In celebration of Youth Day 2025, the Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced free admission to several of its top museums in Cape Town on 16 June 2025. Whether you're passionate about art, history, or natural science, this is the perfect opportunity to explore some of South Africa’s most iconic heritage sites—at no cost.

Museums offering free entry on Youth Day:

• Iziko South African Museum
  25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
• Established in 1825, the oldest museum in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Showcases fossils, marine life, early human artifacts, and ancient rock art
• Renowned for its paleontology and natural history collections
• Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum
  71 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap
• Celebrates the vibrant history and culture of the Cape Malay and Muslim communities
• Located in the heart of the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood
• A must-visit for heritage and cultural enthusiasts
• Iziko Slave Lodge
  Corner Adderley and Wale Streets, Cape Town
• One of the oldest buildings in South Africa
• Offers powerful exhibitions on the history of slavery, colonialism, and human rights
• Promotes awareness and social justice through education
• Iziko South African National Gallery
  Government Avenue, Company's Garden
• South Africa’s premier national art museum
• Features both classical and contemporary artworks from South Africa, Africa, and Europe
• Includes paintings, photography, sculpture, and more

The Iziko Museums of South Africa manages 11 national museums across Cape Town, alongside specialized libraries, the acclaimed Social History Archive, and the cutting-edge Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome—Africa's most advanced digital planetarium.
These museums cover a wide spectrum of interests, including natural history, social history, fine art, and science education, making Iziko a cornerstone of heritage and learning in South Africa.

Iziko Museums of South Africa: Explore Cape Town’s museums for free on Human Rights Day 2025!

Great news for history and culture enthusiasts! Iziko Museums of South Africa is offering free entry to select museums in Cape Town on Human Rights Day (21 March 2025). This is a fantastic opportunity to explore South Africa’s rich heritage at no cost.

Visitors can enjoy complimentary access to the following Iziko Museums:

• South African Museum (25 Queen Victoria Street)
• South African National Gallery (Government Avenue)
• Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street)
• Slave Lodge (Corner of Adderley and Wale Streets)

Note: Free entry does not apply to Groot Constantia, the Castle of Good Hope, or the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome.

Museum Opening Hours:

• South African Museum: Monday – Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00
• South African National Gallery: Monday – Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00
• Bo-Kaap Museum: Monday – Saturday, 09:00 – 17:00
• Slave Lodge: Monday – Saturday, 09:00 – 17:00

This year’s Human Rights Day theme is "Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights." Take this chance to reflect on South Africa’s journey while exploring its historical and cultural landmarks.

Iziko Museums operates 11 national museums across Cape Town, along with specialized libraries, a Social History Archive, and the most advanced Digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African continent.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate Human Rights Day with a free museum experience in Cape Town!

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Heritage Day 2024!

Iziko Museums of South Africa will be celebrating South Africa's diverse cultural heritage and identities with the in_herit Festival 2024, which will be filled with activities for everyone! During the festival, curious minds and culture lovers can expect public conversations and traditional dance performances, exhibition opening and behind-the-scenes tours, planetarium shows, puppet performances, and more. As part of the in_herit Festival 2024, Iziko Musuems will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Heritage Day (24 September 2023). This includes the South African Museum, South African National Gallery, Slave Lodge, Bo-Kaap Museum, Castle of Good Hope and Groot Constantia.

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Women's Day!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that it will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Women’s Day on 09 August 2024. This includes the South African Museum, the South African National Gallery, Slave Lodge and the Bo-Kaap Museum (?). The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Castle of Good Hope and Groot Constantia will not take part. 

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.

Iziko Museums of South Africa: Free entry to selected museums on International Museum Day!

 Every year since 1977, the worldwide community of museums is celebrating International Museum Day (IMD) around or on 18 May. This year’s theme is "Museums, Education, and Research", focusing on the importance of museum collections and exhibitions in knowledge production and learning experiences. To commemorate the global event, Iziko Museums of South Africa is offering free entry to selected Iziko Museum sites in Cape Town on 18 May 2024. The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Castle of Good Hope and Groot Constantia will not take part.

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African continent.

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Freedom Day!

The 27th April 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa's first democratic elections. This day, now known as Freedom Day in South Africa, is commemorated every year to pay tribute to the courageous heroes and heroines who bravely fought for freedom, justice, and equality in South Africa. Iziko Museums of South Africa will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Freedom Day 2024. This includes the Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street), South African National Gallery (Government Avenue, Company’s Garden), Slave Lodge (Corner Adderley and Wale Streets) and the South African Museum (25 Queen Victoria Street).

• Bo-Kaap Museum
• Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 – 17:00
• South African National Gallery
• Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
• Slave Lodge
• Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
• South African Museum
• Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African continent.

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Human Rights Day!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that it will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Human Rights Day on 21 March 2024. This includes the Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street), Slave Lodge (Corner Adderley and Wale Streets), Rust en Vreugd (78 Buitenkant Street), Koopman's de Wet House (35 Strand Street), South African Museum (25 Queen Victoria Street) and the South African National Gallery (Government Avenue, Company’s Garden.

• Bo-Kaap Museum
• Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 – 17:00
• Slave Lodge
• Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
• Rust en Vreugd
• Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 16:00
• Koopman's de Wet House
• Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 16:00
• South African Museum
• Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
• South African National Gallery
• Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Reconciliation Day!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that it will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Reconciliation Day (16 December 2023). This includes the Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street), Slave Lodge (Corner Adderley and Wale Streets), South African Museum (excl. Planetarium Digital Dome, 25 Queen Victoria Street) and the South African National Gallery (Government Avenue, Company’s Garden).

• Bo-Kaap Museum
• Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 – 17:00
• Slave Lodge
• Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
• South African Museum
• Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
• South African National Gallery
• Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.  

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Emancipation and World Aids Day!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that it will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Emancipation and World Aids Day (01 December 2023). This includes the Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street), Slave Lodge (Corner Adderley and Wale Streets), Rust en Vreugd (78 Buitenkant Street), Bertram House (Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street), Koopman's de Wet House (35 Strand Street), South African Museum (25 Queen Victoria Street) and the South African National Gallery (Government Avenue, Company’s Garden).

• Bo-Kaap Museum
• Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 – 17:00
• Slave Lodge
• Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
• Rust en Vreugd
• Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 16:00
• Bertram House
• Thursday and Friday 09:00 and 16:00
• Koopman's de Wet House
• Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 16:00
• South African Museum
• Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
• South African National Gallery
• Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent. 

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Heritage Day 2023!

Iziko Museums of South Africa will be celebrating South Africa's diverse heritage with the in_herit Festival 2023, an exciting programme exploring our histories, heritage and art. As part of the festival, Iziko Musuems will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Heritage Day (24 September 2023). This includes the Iziko South African Museum, Slave Lodge, South African National Gallery and the Bo-Kaap Museum. The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is not taking part. 

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent

Iziko Museums of South Africa: Free entry to selected museums on Youth Day!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that it will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Youth Day (16 June 2023). This includes the South African Museum (25 Queen Victoria Street), Slave Lodge (Corner Adderley and Wale Streets), Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street), Rust en Vreugd (78 Buitenkant Street), and the Koopman's de Wet House (35 Strand Street).

• South African MuseumMonday to Sunday
  09:00 – 17:00
• Slave Lodge
  Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
• Bo-Kaap Museum
  Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 – 17:00
• Rust en Vreugd
  Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 16:00
• Koopman's de Wet House
  Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 16:00

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent. 

Iziko Museums of South Africa: Free entry to selected museums on International Museum Day!

On Wednesday, 18 May 2023, Iziko Museums of South Africa will be joining the International Museum community in celebrating International Museum Day (IMD), with free entry to selected Iziko museums sites in Cape Town. The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Castle of Good Hope and Groot Constantia will not take part. The Old Town House (Michaelis Collection) and the Maritime Centre are currently closed to the public due to renovations.

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.

The International Museum Day (IMD) is celebrated by museums worldwide on 18 May. Instituted by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1977, IMD provides museums with the opportunity to showcase the importance, value and significance of museums in society.

Iziko Museums of South Africa: Free entry to selected museums on Freedom Day!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that it will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Freedom Day (27 April 2023). This includes Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street), Slave Lodge (Corner Adderley and Wale Streets), Rust en Vreugd (78 Buitenkant Street), Bertram House (Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street), Koopman's de Wet House (35 Strand Street), the South African Museum (25 Queen Victoria Street) and the South African National Gallery (Government Avenue).

• Bo-Kaap Museum
  Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 – 17:00
• Slave Lodge
  Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
• Rust en Vreugd
  Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 16:00
• Bertram House
  Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 16:00
• Koopman's de Wet House
  Thursday and Friday 09:00 - 16:00
• South African Museum
  Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
• South African National Gallery
  Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.

Cape Town: Iziko Museums of South Africa to increase entrance fees!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that it will increase entry fees to all Iziko Museums in Cape Town for the first time in a decade, effective 01 April 2023. The new fees schedule was developed after undertaking a benchmarking assessment of local, regional, and national cultural/heritage attractions. Standard entry fees are payable at all Iziko Museums, but visitors are entitled to a country benefit upon presentation of a South African or Southern African Development Community (SADC) identity document or passport. Children aged two and younger, who will be seated on a paying accompanying adult visitors’ lap enter the Iziko Planetarium for free.

click to enlarge

ziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.

Iziko Museums of South Africa: Free entry to selected museums on Human Rights Day!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that it will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Human Rights Day (21 March 2023). This includes the Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street), Slave Lodge (Corner Adderley and Wale Streets), the South African Museum (25 Queen Victoria Street) and the South African National Gallery (Government Avenue). 

• Bo-Kaap Museum
  Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 – 17:00
• Slave Lodge
  Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
• South African Museum
  Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
• South African National Gallery
  Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
  

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Heritage Day 2022!

Iziko Museums of South Africa will be celebrating South Africa's diverse heritage with the in_herit Festival 2022, a dynamic, cultural programme and exciting discussion series running from 19 - 25 September 2022. As part of the festival, Iziko Museums will be offering free entry to selected Iziko Museums in Cape Town on Heritage Day (24 September 2022). This includes the Iziko South African Museum, Slave Lodge, Bo-Kaap Museum, Castle of Good Hope and Groot Constantia Manor House. 

The Iziko South African National Gallery (ISANG), housed in the Company’s Garden in Cape Town, will re-open on Heritage Day.

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.

Cape Town: The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is temporarily closed!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, the most advanced digital planetarium on the African continent, is currently not functional and will be closed temporarily until further notice. We'll keep you posted!
The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, located side-by-side with the Iziko South African Museum overlooking the Company’s Gardens in Cape Town, is a world-class, multifunctional planetarium that makes virtual voyages of the universe possible, providing an unparalleled experience of animation and 360° cinema.

Iziko Museums of South Africa: Free entry to select museums on Youth Day!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced that it will be offering free entry to select museums in Cape Town on Youth Day (16 June 2022). This includes the Iziko South African Museum (ISAM), the Iziko Slave Lodge (ISL), the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, Iziko Rust en Vreugd, and Iziko Koopmans de Wet. The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia and all museums closed on Sundays are excluded from this offer.
Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent.