Museums to indulge in
Zeitz MOCAA
Touted as Cape Town's very own Tate Modern, Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) opened at the V&A Waterfront in September 2017, and has been on the global art radar ever since. It was named as one of TIME Magazine's Top 100 Destinations of 2018!
Located in a former grain silo, the massive nine-storey space underwent a state-of-the-art overhaul, courtesy of esteemed British architect Thomas Heatherwick, and houses 6 000 square metres of exhibition space within 100 galleries, as well as a restaurant area and a charming Sculpture Garden.
Opening times Monday - Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm, First Friday of the Month, 10 am - 9 pm
Contact 087 350 4777, info@zeitzmocaa.museum
Cost Free (year-round to under 18s), R190 (adult single day entry)
Where to find it Silo District, S Arm Road, V&A Waterfont, Cape Town
The Heart of Cape Town Museum
Cape Town is famous for many wonderful firsts - but the world's first heart transplant, under the careful guidance of Professor Christiaan Barnard and his team on 3 December 1967, is undoubtedly right up there when it comes to ground-breaking achievements. Today, this museum honors all who played a vital role in this phenomenal medical milestone.
You will be taken on a two-hour, fully guided tour with knowledgeable guides, who carefully retell the story of the historic day, and recount the events that led up to the world's first heart transplant.
Opening times Monday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Guided tours (two hours) run daily from 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm (with specially arranged ones at 5pm, too).
Contact 021 404 1967, info@heartofcapetown.co.za
Cost R180 (SA visitors), R90 (SA students with valid student card), R140 (SA pensioners)
Where to find it Groote Schuur Hospital, Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Iziko South African Museum
Founded in 1825, our country's oldest museum has seen millions of people navigate through its halls.
Take in exhibitions of more than 1.5 million specimens - accumulated over almost 200 years - including ancient fossils and stone tools, rock and meteorite samples, lifelike recreations of our country's indigenous people, as well as marine and wild animal displays and features.
Don't miss the Whale Well - a unique collection of whale skeletons, including a giant 20.5-meter blue whale skeleton. It's awesome, in the real sense of the word.
Opening times Monday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm, Closed on Workers' Day and Christmas Day
Contact 021 481 3800, Info@iziko.org.za
Cost R30 (adults), R15 (children 6-17), R5 (children 5 and under), R15 (SA students and pensioners)
Where to find it 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome
In a world without iPads, the Planetarium's projected night sky was one of the few things children deemed worthy of their absolute attention; and now, this old favourite has undergone a digital makeover.
The revamped Iziko Planetarium boasts the most advanced digital facilities on the African continent and is sure to keep you transfixed with mesmerizing images of the night sky, and awe-inspiring information to go with it.
Marvel at the wonders of space and science during a cosmic adventure through the Planetarium.
Opening times Tuesday - Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm, Wednesdays there is a digital dome show at 7 pm and 8 pm
Cost R60 (adults, 19 years and older); R30 (children, students, and pensioners)
Contact 021 481 3900, info@iziko.org.za
Where to find it Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens
The Franschhoek Motor Museum
Even if you aren't a petrolhead, it's hard not to be impressed by the magnificent collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and auto memorabilia on display - all in mint condition, with a bit of their history included.
With more than 100 years of motoring history housed here, the categories include: Antique, Veteran, Vintage, Post-vintage, Post 1945 and Post 1960. The four exhibition halls include noteworthy cars, such as the Ford Model T, Alfa Romeo Spider, Bugatti Type 23, Buick Marquette and Mercedes-Benz W21.
The specific automobiles selected for display are alternated to keep things interesting.
Opening times Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm; Saturday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm (April - November)
Monday - Friday, 10am - 6pm; Saturday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm (December - March)
Contact 021 874 9002, fmm@fmm.co.za
Cost R80 (adults), R60 (pensioners and club members), R40 (children, 3 - 12 years)
Where to find it R45 Franschhoek
Source: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/museums/