Slave lodge Museum
The Iziko Slave Lodge is one of Cape Town’s oldest buildings, showcasing the history of slavery and human rights through its exhibitions.
Description
The Slave Lodge is a historic building in Cape Town that originally housed enslaved people, later serving as government offices, court and cultural-history museum. Renamed the Slave Lodge Museum in 1998, it now works under the overarching theme “From human wrongs to human rights”.
Exhibitions focus on the history of slavery in South Africa and broader human‐rights awareness. The upper-level galleries display collections of ceramics, silverware and Egyptology, while the lower levels explore the legacy of enslavement and resistance.
Company Group
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Additional Links
Email Address
Enquiries: info@iziko.org.za
Phone Number
Social Media
Google Rating
Activities
Audio guide | Browse exhibitions | Buy souvenirs | Explore galleries | Guided tour | Learn history | View collections
Experiences
Walk through the original rooms where enslaved people were housed and learn about their lives and legacies.
Examine rare ceramic and silver collections that link Cape Town’s colonial past to wider global histories.
Join or request a guided school group tour exploring human rights themes.
Estimated Duration
1 – 2 Hours
Guided Tours
Available upon booking with educators.
Age Restriction
All ages welcome.
What To Bring
Comfortable shoes | Photo ID | Water bottle
Additional Information
The museum blends historical slavery narratives with modern human-rights themes.
Some exhibitions rotate seasonally, so content may vary throughout the year.
Loadshedding may result in temporary gallery closures — check schedules before visiting.
Inside Guides
Visit before 11h00 for the quietest experience and the best flow through the lower-level slavery exhibitions.
Pair your trip with nearby attractions like the Company’s Garden, St. George’s Cathedral, or a coffee stop at cafés along Adderley Street.
Consider combining with a visit to Iziko South African Museum or Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum for deeper context on Cape history.
Purchase the brochure “Slaves at the Cape: Oppression, Life and Legacy” for deeper insights.
Weather Conditions
Any weather: indoor museum experience; weather does not affect entry.
Reservation Policies
No reservations required for general entry — walk-ins are welcome.
Group or school bookings must be arranged via email.
Estimate Price Range
R50 – R100+
Entry Fee & Prices
General Admission:
R80 | General ticket
R77.5 | Family ticket per person
Free | Children under 5
With Valid SA ID:
R50 | Adults
R30 | Children (5-17)
R32.5 | Family Ticket per person
R20 | Pensioners and Students
Free | On commemorative days
Free entry on Fridays for locals/pensioners
Booking Methods
Email | Webtickets
Art and cultural displays
Audio guides
Brochures
Child friendly
Events and Fundraisers
Gift shop
Guided tours
Historical exhibitions
Parking
Photography allowed
Reception desk
Restrooms
Talks and lectures
Wheelchair accessible (Limited)
Must Tries
Original Slave Quarters: Walk through the rooms where enslaved people lived, connecting deeply with Cape Town’s complex history.
Ceramics and Silver Collection: Examine rare ceramics and silverware, tracing the city’s colonial and global trade stories.
Highlights
Names of Freedom Exhibition: Experience the moving list of enslaved individuals’ names, evoking a powerful human connection.
Guided Human-Rights Tour: Join a guided tour exploring human-rights themes, offering insight into past injustices and contemporary social issues.
Features
- Art and cultural displays
- Audio guides
- Brochures
- Child friendly
- Events and fundraisers
- Gift shop
- Guided tours
- Historical exhibitions
- Parking
- Photography allowed
- Reception desk
- Restrooms
- Talks and lectures
- Wheelchair accessible
Must Tries
Original Slave Quarters: Walk through the rooms where enslaved people lived, connecting deeply with Cape Town’s complex history.
Ceramics and Silver Collection: Examine rare ceramics and silverware, tracing the city’s colonial and global trade stories.
Highlights
Names of Freedom Exhibition: Experience the moving list of enslaved individuals’ names, evoking a powerful human connection.
Guided Human-Rights Tour: Join a guided tour exploring human-rights themes, offering insight into past injustices and contemporary social issues.
Address
Corner of Adderley Street and Wale Street, City Centre
Parking: Available in surrounding streets.
Opening Hours
| Monday – Saturday | 09h00 – 17h00 |
| Winter Hours (Saturday) | 08h30 – 16h00 |
| Christmas Day / Worker’s Day | Closed |
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