Iziko Slave Lodge

Museum · City Bowl

Iziko Slave Lodge

Museum · City Bowl

Corner Adderley Street and, Wale St, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

Highlights

Explore Cape Town’s historic Slave Lodge, where gripping exhibits reveal South Africa’s slavery past alongside art and ancient treasures.

Corner Adderley Street and, Wale St, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa Get directions

iziko.org.za

@izikomuseumssa

@afar

"From Human Wrongs to Human Rights History buffs and those who are curious about the slave trade and its impact on South African development (specifically the Western Cape colony) will find a visit to the Slave Lodge very insightful. The theme of the museum is "from human wrongs to human rights." Through posters and historic artifacts in the exhibits, you'll gain an understanding of the history of the slave trade, as well as of human rights violations that persist in the world today. Plan on giving this museum at least an hour to walk through. (Iziko operates 10 other museums in South Africa, including the planetarium.)"

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town

View Postcard for Iziko Slave Lodge

Evgeny Pinigin

Google

It’s a nice museum to visit and know more about slavery and apartheid and what kind of life slaves had lived during that times. There are some interesting photos and images of Cape Town from previous ages. The building itself is a historical place where hospital based and some of the slaves lived. The museum has a luck of interactive elements, so prepare to read a lot. Still it’s quite interesting and worth to visit. Maybe not the best place to go with the children due to lack of interactive things.

H R

Google

This is a must experience for any person travelling to Cape Town. Specially if you are white. There is still a lot of learning to do from our history so we can do better in the presence. We need more acknowledgement of our past and the privilege each of carries and we can only do this by learning. The information here is ground shaking for anyone.

Lesego Kgatla

Google

21 March 2025 (Delayed review) Wow what an informative space to be at, I wish I had more time to explore more. I must say, this requires time in order to have a full experience and to deeply learn. I am going to return again to pick up from where I left of. The place is clean and the staff is brilliant!

Muhammad Khawar Nazir

Google

The place is Iziko Slave Lodge Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. Location: Corner of Adderley Street and Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre. This museum explores the history of slavery in South Africa, especially during the colonial era. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town and forms part of the Iziko Museums of South Africa.

Dr.T G

Google

It's the same mucked up history every country you visit. Horrific and emotionally draining, but important to know the history. Cost R60.

Rodolfo Archbold

Google

I found it overwhelming, too much information concentrated in a small space. The audio visual portions were poorly done, making it difficult to understand. I was able to get a good understanding of how the slaves originated in Cape Town, and I applaud the effort to restore dignity and respect to those with slave ancestors. Some of the exhibits were redundant, and while a valiant , don't think the exhibits on rescue efforts for sunken slaves ships align with the museum theme.

Rita Burke

Google

The best exhibit is the one in the main hall. Loved that the rooms are named after some of the known slaves to share their stories. Unfortunately, many rooms are closed for renovation, lighting of remaining accessible spaces needs improvement, and the upper floors were a bizarre mix of European artifacts and African memorabilia from other countries. Hopefully the renovations and maybe some docents will help bring a more cohesive experience to this important and heartbreaking time of our world's history.

Drake Maxwell

Google

Poignant, detailed descriptions of the atrocities of slavery. This is a must-see museum in Cape Town. It will break your heart but at the same time change your mind and adjust your attitude toward your fellow man.