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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South Africa: The Museum of Illusions to open in Cape Town!

Cape Town is set to welcome a thrilling new attraction with the launch of the Museum of Illusions, a global chain renowned for its immersive and interactive experiences. Scheduled to open on 31 May 2025, this will be the museum’s second location in South Africa, its third in Africa, and the 61st worldwide.
Conveniently located on Kloof Street in the heart of Cape Town, the new Museum of Illusions Cape Town promises to amaze visitors with over 60 mind-bending exhibits. Highlights include the Tilted Room, Clone Table, and the mesmerizing Infinity Room. Unlike traditional museums, guests are encouraged to interact with displays, take photos, and engage with optical illusions designed to challenge perception and spark curiosity.

The museum will operate seven days a week:

• Monday to Wednesday: 09:00 – 19:00
• Thursday to Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00
• Sunday and Public Holidays: 09:00 – 19:00

Tickets will be available online and at the door, though pre-booking is highly recommended to secure your preferred time slot.

This exciting addition follows the successful launch of the Museum of Illusions Johannesburg, which opened on 05 July 2024 at The Zone @ Rosebank in Johannesburg. As the 53rd location globally, the venue offers over 60 exhibits that blend art, science, and psychology, creating a one-of-a-kind sensory experience for all ages.

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.

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 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.

Johannesburg: Soweto Tourism has released a status update on the museums in Soweto!

Soweto Tourism, a Local Tourism Association (LTA) in Soweto, has released an status update on the museums in South Africa's biggest and most famous township. According to the LTA, the Hector Peterson Museum, the Mandela House (Nelson Mandela National Museum) in Vilakazi Street, the June 16 Memorial Acre, the Soweto Inspirational Home Museum and the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village are all open the public, while the Kliptown Open Air Museum is currently closed due to vandalism. 

Covid-19: The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg has closed again! [update] >>

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums during in_herit festival 2021!

Iziko Museums of South Africa is currently hosting the in_herit Festival 2021 - a dynamic cultural programme and Heritage Day celebration which is taking place from 20 - 26 September. As part of the festival, Iziko Museums is offering free entry to selected Iziko Museums in Cape Town. This includes the Bo-Kaap Museum (free entry throughout the in_herit Festival 2021), the Koopmans de Wet House (free entry throughout the in_herit Festival 2021), the William Fehr Collection at the Castle of Good Hope (free on Heritage Day only) as well as the Groot Constantia Manor House (free on Heritage Day only). The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is offering half-price shows on Heritage Day. 

click to enlarge
via https://www.iziko.org.za

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.

Johannesburg: National Heritage Site Liliesleaf has closed down! [update]

update (22 June 2022): South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) has plans to take control of the historic Liliesleaf Farm, currently a private museum, and establish it as a cultural institution. This would enable the DAC to to exercise control over the national heritage site.

update (23 February 2022): The Liliesleaf board of trustees in Rivonia has confirmed that the iconic institution is bankrupt.

One of South Africa's foremost national heritage sites, Liliesleaf in Johannesburg's suburb of Rivonia, has announced its closure. According to the founder and CEO of the Liliesleaf Trust, Nicholas Wolpe, the museum has been forced to close its doors indefinitely until it is able to secure operational funding again. Liliesleaf already faced several years of a funding crisis, which then got compounded and exacerbated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Liliesleaf served as the secret headquarters and nerve centre of the African National Congress (ANC), South African Communist Party (SACP), Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Congress Alliance between 1961 and 1963. It was turned into a museum in 2009 and declared a National Heritage Site in 2016.

Zimbabwe: Free entry to several museums on International Museum Day!

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has announced that National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) is set to join the international museums community in commemorating the International Museums Day (IMD) 2021. Several museums in Zimbabwe, including the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences in Harare, the Military Museum in Gweru, the Mutare Museum in Mutare and the Kwekwe Museum in Kwekwe, will therefore be free of charge on 18 May 2021. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, only a limited number of visitors will be allowed in the participating museums.

Soweto: The Hector Pieterson Museum has been reopened to the public!

The Hector Pieterson Museum in Orlando West, Soweto, has been reopened to the public. The museum, which commemorates the role of South Africa's students in the struggle against apartheid and in particular the role played by the school children who took part in the Soweto protests of 1976, welcomes visitors with a refreshed exhibition. According the tweet below, the museum in Soweto's Khumalo Street will also be hosting an educational programme in June 2021 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising. The Hector Pieterson Museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00. 

Great news from Soweto - the excellent Hector Pieterson Museum has reopened to the public!

Now open 10:00-17:00, closed on Mondays #welovesoweto #ShareSouthAfrica #explorejoburg pic.twitter.com/wE4SpMClZk

— Johannesburg In Your Pocket ?? (@JohannesburgIYP) April 19, 2021

Limpopo: The Waterberg Living Museum has been reopened!

The Waterberg Living Museum in Limpopo has been reopened today. The Museum, which is combination of a living classroom, a natural & cultural history museum, an exhibit of living creatures, and a botanical garden, only opened its doors to the public in January 2020 and was forced to close at the end of March 2020 due the coronavirus pandemic. The Waterberg Living Museum provides an enriching educational experience to visitors of all ages, particularly the youth, by bringing together the past and the present through established and conserved living, organic and anthropomorphic collections. There is no cost for entrance to the main complex of the Waterberg Living Museum, which includes the Livingstone Lounge Restaurant & Tea Garden, curio shop and ablution facilities. However, self-guided tours cost R75/person for adults, R50 for pensioners R35/person for children (children under the age of six: free entry). Guided tours are also available. They take place at 10:30 and 14:00 and cost R150/person for adults, R100/person for pensioners and R70/person for children. The Waterberg Living Museum is open from 10:00 - 17:00 from Tuedays to Saturdays and from 10:00 - 13:00 on Sundays. It is located about 25 km out of the town of Vaalwater on the Melkrivier/Marken road.

Namibia: The new "Windhoek City Museum" has been officially launched! [update]

update (07 November 2020): The "Windhoek City Museum" is located on the Corner of Robert Mugabe and Schweringsburg street and it’s open on weekdays from 07:30 – 16:30. On Saturdays the museum opens between 08:00 – 13:00 and it is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The entrance to the Museum is free and it offers free parking. 

Windhoek's mayor Fransina Kahungu, together with Namibia's founding president Sam Nujoma, have officially launched the new "Windhoek City Museum" on Robert Mugabe Avenue earlier today. The museum aims to preserve and reflect the memory and identity of Namibia's capital, inform visitors about the past and present of the city and to provide an educational space for students and researchers. It showcases artefacts, sounds and images that reflect Windhoek’s tangible and intangible heritage. The "Windhoek City Museum" has five galleries, namely: Pre-colonial Windhoek & Windhoek during the German Period, Life in the Old Location, Windhoek Today, Wild Windhoek and Temporary Exhibitions. We have contacted the City of Windhoek regarding location, opening times and tariffs. We'll keep you posted!

Cape Town: The Zeitz MOCAA to reopen with an exhibition by & for Capetonians!

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world, has announced its reopening date. The Museum, which is closed since 17 March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, is set to reopen on 22 October 2020 with an exhibition by, and for, Capetonians, titled "Home Is Where The Art Is: Art Is Where The Home Is". The open call is directed to every Capetonian who owns or has made interesting paintings, drawings, sculptures and other artworks that brought a sense of joy during the months of the global pandemic. For more info, click here.

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

We are reopening on October 22 with an exhibition dedicated to the art made, owned, and loved by Capetonians. Tag the person who should definitely enter ‘Home Is Where The Art Is.’ Follow the link in bio find out more about the exhibition. Submissions close 5 Oct.

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Zeitz MOCAA (@zeitzmocaa) am Sep 28, 2020 um 10:35 PDT

Cape Town: Iziko Museums of South Africa has reopened four museums!

Iziko Museums of South Africa has reopened four museums in Cape Town to the public today (17 September 2020) after six month of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Iziko South African Museum, the Iziko South African National Gallery, the Iziko Slave Lodge and the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum have reopened to the public, and are running under new operating hours. The museums are open from 10:00 to 14:00 from Tuesdays to Sundays. There will be two entry sessions – from 10:00 until 11:30, and 12:00 until 14:00; visitors are asked to arrive fifteen minutes before the sessions begin, so that staff of Iziko Museums can swiftly screen the visitors before entering. This includes taking temperature, receiving contact details and accepting payment. Entry will not be permitted without a mask.
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.

Limpopo (South Africa): The new "Waterberg Living Museum" has been opened!

update (19 March 2020): The "Waterberg Living Museum" is closed since 18 March 2020 until further notice due to the coromavirus pandemic.

We somehow missed it out, but at the end of January 2020 the new Waterberg Living Museum in Limpopo opened its doors to the general public. The museum is a living classroom, a natural & cultural history museum, an exhibit of living creatures, and a botanical garden, all in one place. It provides a unique, enriching educational experience to visitors of all ages, particularly the youth, by bringing together the past and the present through established and conserved living, organic and anthropomorphic collections. There is no cost for entrance to the main complex of the Waterberg Living Museum, which includes the Livingstone Lounge Restaurant & Tea Garden, curio shop and ablution facilities. Entrance to the museum exhibits costs R100/person for adults, R70/person for 12 - 18year olds and R60/person for 6 - 11 year olds. The Waterberg Living Museum is open from 09:00 - 17:00 from Tuedays to Saturdays and from 09:00 - 14:00 on Sundays. It is located about 25 km out of the town of Vaalwater on the Melkrivier/Marken road.

Cape Town: Free entry to Iziko museums during in_herit festival 2019!

Iziko Museums of South Africa, which operates 11 national museums, the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Social History Centre and three collection-specific libraries in Cape Town, will be celebrating South Africa's diverse heritage with the in_herit Festival 2019 – a dynamic, week-long cultural programme with free entry to selected museums. (Castle of Good Hope and Groot Constantia are free only on Heritage Day. The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is half-price on Heritage Day. Museums closed on Saturdays and Sundays, or currently under renovation, are excluded). The programme of the festical will include exciting and engaging events, activities, workshops, talks, tours and exhibitions. The 12th annual in_ herit Festival kicks off on  23 September 2019, with Heritage Day celebrations on 24 September 2019, and runs right through until 29 September 2019.

South Africa: The first edition of "Museum Night Johannesburg" to take place in September 2019!

The very first edition of "Museum Night in Johannesburg" is set to take place in Johannesburg in September 2019. On Thursday, 19 September 2019, six museums from all over the city will be open from 17:00 until 22:00, offering free admission to the public. Each museum has a primary programme of current exhibitions, supported by a secondary programme of workshops, performances, talks and other activities. The programme of the "Museum Night in Johannesburg" is spread out, so it is recommended to focus on just one or two sites, and make use of public or private transport to get around.



The participating museums include:

• Apartheid Museum
• Constitution Hill
• Johannesburg Art Gallery
• Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre
• WITS Art Museum
• The Origins Centre (WITS)