Heart Museum
A museum honouring the world’s first successful human heart transplant, housed in the original hospital rooms.
Description
The Heart of Cape Town Museum is a place where medical innovation, courage, and humanity converge. It’s home to the historic Groote Schuur Hospital, where the first successful heart transplant was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in 1967.
This museum not only preserves the memory of this groundbreaking medical achievement but also celebrates the dedication and ingenuity of the medical community.
As you explore the museum, you’ll be inspired by the stories of the patients, doctors, and scientists who played a pivotal role in this pioneering surgery.
The Heart of Cape Town Museum is a testament to the power of human innovation, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of progress in the field of medicine. Visiting here is a journey into the heart of medical history and a tribute to the indomitable human spirit.
Company Group
The Heart of Cape Town Museum
Email Address
Enquiries: info@heartofcapetown.co.zaPhone Number
Social Media
Google Rating
4.7 ★ | 500+ Google reviewsActivities
Christiaan Barnard Story | Dramatic Recreations | Ethical & Historical Exhibits | Guided Tour | Life-Size Surgery Recreation | Operating Theatre Tour | Patient’s Journey | Photo Opportunities | Silicone Model Displays | Historical Hospital Walkthrough
Experiences
Step back into 1967 while witnessing the life-size, realistic recreation of the groundbreaking heart transplant surgery.
Absorb the powerful atmosphere of the original operating theatres and hospital rooms where medical history was made.
Follow the emotional backstories of the patients, donor, and the dedicated medical team involved in the procedure.
Gain deeper insights into the global ethical debates and media frenzy that surrounded the first successful transplant.
Estimated Duration
2 Hours
Guided Tours
Weekday tours: 09h00 | 11h00 | 13h00 | 15h00 (15h00 tour by prior booking).
Weekend tours: Available by prior request for groups of 6 or more.
Duration: Each guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Age Restriction
Children under 10 not recommended.
What To Bring
Camera | Comfortable shoes | Identification | Phone (on silent)
Additional Information
The museum is situated in the old main building of the working groote schuur hospital.
Detailed, life-size silicone models are used to recreate the operating scenes and key moments.
The museum honors not only christiaan barnard but the entire medical team and the donor family.
Photos are allowed in the museum but visitors must ensure their mobile phones are on silent.
Inside Guides
Contact the museum directly to confirm all bookings made via third-party vendors.
The 11h00 or 13h00 tours are often recommended as the busiest times.
Arrive at least ten minutes early as tours start strictly on time and cannot wait.
Wear comfortable footwear as the two-hour guided experience involves standing and walking.
Weather Conditions
Weather experience: The museum experience is fully indoors and unaffected by the weather, offering a great option for a cooler or rainy day visit.
Reservation Policies
Reservation Policy:
- All visits require a confirmed reservation due to the guided tour format.
- Bookings must be made directly with the museum via phone or email.
- Third-party bookings must still be confirmed directly with the museum to secure a tour slot.
Payment Policy:
- Payment is required before arrival or on arrival depending on the booking method.
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour will receive a full refund.
- Late cancellations or no-shows may result in no refund depending on booking method.
Estimate Price Range
R200 – R400+
Entry Fee & Prices
International Rates
R400 | Adult
R350 | Pensioner
R250 | Student
R100 | Child
South African Rates
R190 | Adult
R140 | Pensioner
R90 | Student
R60 | Child
Booking Methods
Email | Phone | Website
Child friendly - 10+ old
Dramatic reenactments
Educational displays
Entry desk
Guided tours
Historical exhibits
Life-size models
On-site staff
Operating theatre
Parking
Patient stories
Photo friendly
Restrooms
Seating areas
Story exhibitions
Wheelchair accessible
Must Tries
Operating theatre tour: Step into the original 1967 operating room and witness the recreation of the world’s first successful heart transplant.
Christiaan Barnard story: Explore the life and pioneering work of the surgeon through personal exhibits and historical documentation.
Highlights
Patient’s journey: Follow the emotional stories of the donor, Denise Darvall, and recipient, Louis Washkansky.
Dramatic recreations: Experience lifelike silicone models and original hospital equipment bringing history vividly to life.
Features
- Child friendly – 10+ old
- Dramatic reenactments
- Educational displays
- Entry desk
- Guided tours
- Historical exhibits
- Life-size models
- On-site staff
- Operating theatre
- Parking
- Patient stories
- Photo friendly
- Restrooms
- Seating areas
- Story exhibitions
- Wheelchair accessible
Must Tries
Operating theatre tour: Step into the original 1967 operating room and witness the recreation of the world’s first successful heart transplant.
Christiaan Barnard story: Explore the life and pioneering work of the surgeon through personal exhibits and historical documentation.
Highlights
Patient’s journey: Follow the emotional stories of the donor, Denise Darvall, and recipient, Louis Washkansky.
Dramatic recreations: Experience lifelike silicone models and original hospital equipment bringing history vividly to life.
Address
Groote Schuur Hospital, Main Road, Observatory
Parking: There is visitor parking available directly outside our museum (Entrance 3, Old Main Building, Groote Schuur Hospital).
Opening Hours
| Monday – Friday | 09h00 – 15h00 |
| Weekend | By prior request only |
| Tour Times | 09h00 | 11h00 | 13h00 | 15h00 |
What To Expect
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