The Bo-Kaap Museum is perhaps one of the most unique Cape experiences.

Situated in the historic area that was home to mainly Muslims and freed slaves after the abolition of slavery, the Museum showcases local Islamic culture and heritage from the nineteenth century. The Bo-Kaap itself is well worth a visit for its colourful houses, steep cobbled streets, calls to prayer, and children in traditional dress for Madrassa. Today it stands as a symbol of a nineteenth-century Muslim family.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Historic area
  • Islamic culture and heritage
  • Colourful houses
  • Muezzin’s call to prayer
  • Traditional dress
  • Depiction of a 19th century Muslim family
  • Permanent Exhibitions

The Experience:

Learn of this Islamic local community that thrived in the nineteenth century after the abolition of slavery. Home to Muslims, their culture and traditions have been carefully reconstructed and protected to showcase what life was like for a Muslim family with Islamic culture and heritage.

As part of the Iziko Museums, it stands as a social history museum, fascinating for those interested in multi-cultural communities around the world and their heritage. Visitors can enjoy a number of permanent exhibitions, including findings from a survey, historic and contemporary photographs, a collection of artefacts and Islamic decorative art from mosques, Qur'anic calligraphy, and a look into the history of Cape Town’s New Year Carnival and its origins.

Another of the exhibitions at Bo-Kaap looks at the people who built Cape Town and supports their effort by delving into the city’s slow but steady construction over three centuries during the colonial rule. It also looks at the racial discrimination within the country, pre-apartheid, and dedicates the exhibition to the slaves, convicts and free workers who built the city.

IMPORTANT: This experience is normally R20 but is included in your SMARTPASS, see the prices for all Passes HERE.

see the: full list of attractions included »

Monday 10.00 - 17.00
Tuesday 10.00 - 17.00
Wednesday 10.00 - 17.00
Thursday 10.00 - 17.00
Friday 10.00 - 17.00
Saturday 10.00 - 17.00
Sunday Closed

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Address:

71 Wale Street, Bo Kaap, Cape Town

Telephone:

+27 21 482 3938