Founded in 1825 in the Company's Garden, the Iziko South African Museum holds more than one and a half million specimens. Its galleries range from fossils and ancient insects to rock art, and the Whale Well remains its best known space.
Founded in 1825 and set among the oaks of the Company's Garden, the Iziko South African Museum is one of the oldest museums in Africa. Its collection runs to more than one and a half million specimens of scientific importance, ranging from fossils and ancient insects to historical tools, and the galleries move between natural history, archaeology and southern African material culture.
The Whale Well is the museum's best known hall. It is open, along with Power of Rock Art, Home Coming, The Sea and Us, Gaiasphere, The Art of Science, Tata Madiba, Humanity and Bees.
Some galleries are temporarily closed for maintenance. No reopening date has been announced by Iziko. While the work continues, museum visitors receive a complimentary same day entry ticket to the Iziko South African National Gallery, the Iziko Slave Lodge, the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum or the Iziko Old Town House. That ticket covers those four museums only, and the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome next door is ticketed separately. The museum cafe remains open.
Highlights
- The Whale Well, the museum's best known hall
- More than one and a half million specimens
- The Power of Rock Art gallery
- Founded in 1825 in the Company's Garden
- Complimentary same day ticket to four other Iziko museums
- Free entry on Fridays for South African pensioners and students
Tips
Check the Iziko website before you go, because some galleries are temporarily closed for maintenance. Ask at the ticket desk for the complimentary same day ticket to the National Gallery, Slave Lodge, Bo-Kaap Museum or Old Town House. The Planetarium next door is a separate ticket, so budget for both if you want a dome show as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
International visitors pay R100 for adults, children aged 5 to 17 and pensioners or students. Local rates are R60 for adults and R40 for children aged 5 to 17. South African pensioners and students with valid cards pay R40 and enter free on Fridays.
What are the opening hours?
The museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Sunday. Winter weekend hours are 08:30 to 16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed on Christmas Day and Workers' Day.
Are any galleries closed?
Some galleries are temporarily closed for maintenance. No reopening date has been announced by Iziko. The Whale Well, Power of Rock Art, Home Coming, The Sea and Us, Gaiasphere, The Art of Science, Tata Madiba, Humanity and Bees remain open.
Does my ticket include the Planetarium?
No. The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is ticketed separately. During the maintenance period, museum visitors do receive a complimentary same day ticket to the Iziko South African National Gallery, the Iziko Slave Lodge, the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum or the Iziko Old Town House.
How long should I allow?
Most visitors spend one to two hours.
