A memorial museum in the old Methodist church on Buitenkant Street, recording the community of District Six and the forced removals that destroyed it. Opened in 1994 and shaped by the memories of former residents, who also lead its tours and site walks.
The District Six Museum occupies the former Methodist church at 25A Buitenkant Street, on the edge of the ground that District Six once covered. It grew out of the Hands Off District Six campaign of 1988 and the District Six Museum Foundation formed the following year, and it opened on 10 December 1994 with an inaugural exhibition called Streets: Retracing District Six.
The museum was designed so that a visitor can wander in off the street and go through it unguided, but the experience changes considerably with a storyteller. A walk through the museum with a former resident can be arranged, and guided site walks lead out onto the land itself. Pre-booked tours are guaranteed and preferred, while walk in tours depend on availability.
The museum has since expanded into 15 Buitenkant Street next door, now the District Six Museum Homecoming Centre, a building many Capetonians still know as the Sacks Futeran warehouse.
Highlights
- Housed in the old Methodist church on Buitenkant Street
- Opened in 1994 by and for former residents of District Six
- Self guided visits or a walk with an ex-resident storyteller
- Guided site walks across the old District Six
- Free entry for ex-residents and South African pensioners
- The Homecoming Centre at 15 Buitenkant Street
Tips
Book ahead through Quicket, because pre-booked tours are guaranteed and walk in tours depend on availability. Guided tours run at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30 and 13:30 from Monday to Saturday. If you want a site walk across the old District Six, arrange it in advance and expect it to depend on the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
A self guided visit is R65 and a guided visit is R80. Guided site walks are R135 by prior arrangement, with a minimum of five people. School learners from the African continent pay R5 for a self guided visit and R10 for a guided visit. Entry is free for ex-residents of District Six and other areas of forced removals, and for South African pensioners.
Do I need to book?
The museum asks that visits are booked, and bookings are made through Quicket. Pre-booked tours are guaranteed and preferred. Walk in visitors can still be accommodated, but tours are then subject to availability, so booking ahead is the safer plan.
What are the opening hours?
The museum is open from 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Saturday.
When do guided tours run?
Guided tours run Monday to Saturday at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30 and 13:30. Guided site walks are arranged separately in advance and depend on the weather being suitable for walking.
How long should I allow?
Most visitors spend one to two hours. Allow longer if you join a guided site walk.
