Inside Groote Schuur Hospital, the Heart of Cape Town Museum uses original theatres, recreated rooms and guided interpretation to tell the collaborative story of the 1967 heart transplant.
The Heart of Cape Town Museum preserves the story of the world’s first successful human-to-human heart transplant, performed at Groote Schuur Hospital on 3 December 1967 by a large medical team led by Professor Christiaan Barnard.
Guided tours lead visitors through the original operating theatres and adjoining hospital spaces where the landmark procedure unfolded. Recreated rooms, authentic medical equipment, archival photographs and life-size figures help explain both the operation and the preparations behind it.
The museum places the achievement in its wider human context, recognising the surgeons, nurses, researchers, technicians, patients and donor family whose combined efforts changed cardiac surgery. Scientific interpretation is balanced with stories of courage, generosity and collaboration.
Because visits are guided, advance booking is essential. Tours usually last between 90 minutes and two hours; confirm availability directly with the museum before travelling.
Highlights
- Original operating theatres from the world’s first successful heart transplant
- The medical and human story behind the 3 December 1967 procedure
- Knowledgeable guides who lead every museum visit
- Recreated operating rooms with life-size figures and authentic equipment
- Exhibitions exploring scientific innovation, teamwork and human courage
- A medical-history museum inside Groote Schuur Hospital
Tips
Book a weekday morning tour, arrive early at Entrance 3 of Groote Schuur Hospital, and allow up to two hours. Photography is permitted, but phones should be kept silent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heart of Cape Town Museum?
It is a medical-history museum at Groote Schuur Hospital that commemorates the world’s first successful human-to-human heart transplant, performed in 1967.
Can I visit the original operating theatre?
Yes. Guided tours include the original operating theatres where the landmark procedure took place.
Do I need to book before visiting?
Yes. Advance booking is essential because visits are conducted as guided tours. Contact the museum directly to confirm availability.
How long does the tour take?
Most guided tours last approximately one and a half to two hours.
Is the museum suitable for children?
The museum can be educational for older children and teenagers interested in science or history, but the official museum advises that the graphic content and tour length are not recommended for children under ten.
