South African Jewish Museum

Museum · City Bowl ·

South African Jewish Museum

Museum · City Bowl ·

Artifacts & displays detail Jewish life in South Africa

Information

88 Hatfield St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Get directions

@cntraveler

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15 Best Museums in Cape Town

"Located next to the oldest synagogue in the country and the Holocaust Museum, the South African Jewish Museum has a grand, sand-colored wall that's unmissable from the street. Inside, interactive displays, audio-visual presentations, and artifacts take visitors back through the the roots of the Jewish people in South Africa. The primarily focus here is on the Jewish heritage in the country, but there's also a permanent Netsuke exhibit with around 200 miniature Japanese carvings." - Mary Holland

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-cape-town

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South African Jewish Museum

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

South African Jewish Museum

"Set the scene for us: Where are we, and what are we going to see?Located next to the oldest synagogue in the country and the Holocaust Museum, the South African Jewish Museum has a grand, sand-colored wall that's unmissable from the street. The interior is modern, with an exhibit that focuses on the history of Jews in South Africa. Sounds pretty cool. How's all this history presented, then?Interactive displays, audio-visual presentations, a shtetl facsimile, and artifacts take visitors back through the the roots of the Jewish people in South Africa. This chapter begins primarily in the 17th-century, as Jews were among the directors of the Dutch East India Company, and runs through its rapid 20th-century expansion, with a compelling chapter on Jews during apartheid. Wow—so, in a lot of ways. Beyond the permanent stuff, are there any exhibits we should check out?In addition to its main focus, the museum has a permanent Netsuke exhibition with around 200 miniature Japanese carvings. Noted! How about the facilities, and the overall location? Is there anything close by that's also worth checking out?Aside from one grand stairway, the museum isn't a challenge to navigate (it's accessible to all visitors). The space is small by museum standards, so you won't be traipsing around for hours. While you're in the area, make sure to visit the the neighboring Cape Town Holocaust Centre, a museum and memorial. Got it; now we have an itinerary! Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?If you don't have a lot of time, skip the Netsuke exhibition." - Mary Holland

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/cape-town/south-african-jewish-museum

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South African Jewish Museum

Ari K A.

Google

The museum is beautiful and very well presented, offering deep insight into the Jews of South Africa. We also had a healthy lunch there and greatly enjoyed chatting with the lovely lady in the gift shop. Jewish people, like many others, have so many stories to tell; they learn from the past and always look to the future with hope. Across many countries and communities, Jews have long been a light to the nations, contributing positively to every society in which they have lived, making it their home, loving it, defending it, and treasuring it. It is remarkable how a relatively small group of people has been an integral part of history and has left its footprint in every corner of the globe.

Rachel K.

Google

Much bigger and even more beautiful than expected. Has some very interesting history of Jews in South Africa not just in Cape Town and even a replica of a Lithuanian Shetl. Has an old ship and Torah and lots of wonderful judaica and great stories. Wonderful gift shop features art made by residents of Astra, a social support home a few blocks down.

lamise I.

Google

I love learning about other faiths and cultures. This was such an interesting experience. It was the first time I saw the Torah in person. They have some lovely interactive spaces where you can dress up for photos in a time gone by. There are audio pods where the stories of exhibits are told. I would recommend a guided tour if you are not familiar with the faith. A must see if you find yourself in town.

Richard G.

Google

Superb! Excellent history of Cape Town and the Jewish people moving here from Europe. Really well laid out and detailed exhibits. There is cafe and shop which overlook a very peaceful area in the middle of the complex.

Max A.

Google

A big thank you to the 3 docents who went out of their way to teach us about a lot of the material and shared stories of their own backgrounds as well. Takes less than an hour to check both floors. 250 rand for foreigners to enter

Elizabeth E.

Google

I found the museum very interesting and well organised. The exhibits provided a fascinating insight into the lives of Jewish immigrants in Cape Town. It is a poignant reminder of the important role they played in building our nation and the freedoms we enjoy today. The coffee shop also served excellent coffee. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit the Holocaust Centre.

Em D.

Google

This was so well set up, we chose to visit from the tour bus. We visited the holocaust memorial and it was such an eye opener. Very good and accurate information. You can spend hours in here just reading and observing the primary sources supplied here. Definitely worth a visit and the lady at the front was so lovely and informative.

Linda G.

Google

Upon entering the museum grounds, you feel like you‘ve reached a little paradise within the city. However, the exhibition is not up to par with the exceptional exterior. There are next to no exhibits, instead you are overwhelmed with badly formated text conveying very little information, while a cacophony of video testimonials prevents you from focusing. I recommend skipping the museum and enjoying the peace and comfort of the grounds from the café.