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Cape Town Central
Things to do in Cape Town Central
South African Jewish Museum

South African Jewish Museum, Cape Town Central: Hours, Address, South African Jewish Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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South African Jewish Museum

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South African Jewish Museum
4.5
679
#8 of 188 things to do in Cape Town Central
Speciality Museums
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Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The museum narrates the story of South African Jewry from its early beginnings, set against the backdrop of South African history over a period of more than 150 years. We cover a number of areas of interest, including South African history, mining, commerce, Eastern European history, contemporary South African politics as well as an overview of the Jewish community’s contribution in all its aspects of South African history and conscience. An exclusive documentary film – "Nelson Mandela. A Righteous Man", is screened throughout the day, a documentary, which has won wide acclaim at the Brighton, Vancouver and Toronto Film Festivals.
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Admission tickets
from £5.72
All you need to step foot in the door.
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208 within 10 kms
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Popular mentions
4.5
679 reviews
Excellent
446
Very good
186
Average
29
Poor
8
Terrible
10
Mark England
South Africa53 contributions
Take the time to stop here.
Jan 2022 • Solo
Such a great experience. A beautiful museum Wel looked after. Lots of fascinating details and a reminder why we must never forget crimes of the past. Helpful, insightful staff.
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Oliver S
Ontario, Canada4 contributions
A Real Treasure
Feb 2021
We enjoyed our tour to the Jewish Museum. We learned quite alot of history involving the jewish culture in Cape Town. The building is incredibly beautiful. The Guide Rick was also very knowledgeable.
Written 19 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
worldtraveler8092015
Phoenix, AZ43 contributions
A great place to visit, whether you’re Jewish or not
Mar 2021
This museum was most interesting and informative. It traces the history and contributions of the South African Jewish community. I was especially moved by learning about the contributions that Jews made to ending apartheid and befriending Nelson Mandela. Also, there is a lovely gift shop and great cafe there.
Written 2 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
exvery
24 contributions
well setup
Nov 2019
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.
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
caea
Germany19 contributions
beutful africa
Jan 2020
Shocking reminder of how horrible human beings can be.. The holocaust museum shocked me and reminded me of what a nasty history our recent European history has been. It also reminded me what heroes our grandparents and forefathers were for fighting against this madness. My deepest sympathies with all Jews everywhere. Jeremy Castillo, Malta 🇲🇹
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NSBDolphin
10 contributions
A museum unlike any other I've seen
Feb 2020
The Museum is a must-see, and our walk through the Company Gardens to get there was a delight. The Museum not only has large display rooms, but also a historic synagogue, a Holocaust Museum, a goft shop, and a lovely cafe. We went twice in the week we were in Cape Town--there was so much to see!
Written 13 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CanadianTraveler1948
Toronto, Canada12 contributions
Celebrating a proud heritage
Feb 2020
This is a true gem, even if you're not Jewish. That such a small community has committed so much to tell their story in this country is quite amazing. Yes, there is a tortured history to be told being part of the white settler community that built the country into its preeminence in Africa, though tainted with years of Apartheid where many of its members fought the dominant Boer whites for the equity of Blacks and Coloureds.

The adjacent Holocaust Centre also tells the story of this horror in a relatable way on behalf of the families who were affected directly by relatives left behind in Europe, or by survivors who came down to South Africa after WW2.

My only criticism is getting into the museum itself. There is no entrance off the Company Garden and thus requires a walk to the end of the Gardens and around the back...then there's the guardhouse and security, though unfortunately in this world as necessity given attacks on Jewish sites in too many countries. Still worth all this effort and a couple of hours time (even if you're not Jewish).
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
laficabella
montreal165 contributions
Excellent historical and artistic museum
Feb 2020
The compound includes synagogues, a holocaust museum, which also addresses the effects of apartheid, and the museum itself, which tells the history of the Lithuanian jews in Capetown, and also houses a fabulous Netsuke collection. It is fairly close to Parliament, and you can get an overview of life in Capetown for immigrants. It is an excellent place to start your informative journey of the history of Capetown, and South Africa.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GreyPoundLondon
London, UK184 contributions
Modern Museum with helpful guides
Feb 2020
The Jewish Museum uses well selected artefacts and interactive, multimedia presentations to tell the story of the Jewish immigrants who left Lithuania for a better life in South Africa. It avoids overpowering the visitor with too much reading material, but uses sound, photographs, film and actual objects. Highly recommended.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wildmom54
New York188 contributions
Spectacular museum
Feb 2020 • Couples
Unfortunately we had to rush through it, but it’s a beautiful museum, very interesting exhibits and totally worth while. Don’t hesitate to visit and give yourself time to read And enjoy.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about South African Jewish Museum
South African Jewish Museum is open:
  • Sun - Thu 10:00 - 17:00
  • Fri - Fri 10:00 - 14:00
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
South African Jewish Museum admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost £5.74, while a popular guided tour starts around £4.92 per person. See all 5 South African Jewish Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
South African Jewish Museum can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 5 South African Jewish Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
Restaurants near South African Jewish Museum: View all restaurants near South African Jewish Museum on Tripadvisor