Iziko South African Museum
Founded in 1825, located in Company’s Gardens. The Iziko South African Museum offers extensive collections ranging from fossils to historical artifacts.
Description
The Iziko South African Museum is a cornerstone of Cape Town’s cultural landscape, housed in the historic Company’s Gardens. It boasts a vast array of exhibits covering natural history, including fossils, ancient insects, and historical tools.
The museum offers a rich educational experience suitable for all ages, exploring the natural world and human history through engaging displays and interactive exhibits.
Company Group
Iziko
Additional Links
Email Address
Enquiries: info@iziko.org.za
Phone Number
Social Media
Google Rating
4.3 ★ | 700+ Google reviewsActivities
Discovery Room | Educational workshops | Exhibitions | Guided tours | Planetarium shows | Temporary exhibitions
Experiences
- View whale skeleton in the Whale Well (with recorded whale sounds)
- Explore Karoo fossils and ancient artefacts
- Planetarium immersive shows
- Discovery Room interactive learning
- Behind-the-scenes / collection-focused tours (when available)
Estimated Duration
2 – 3 Hours
Guided Tours
Available by reservation for groups.
Age Restriction
All ages welcome
What To Bring
Camera | Clothing | ID | Shoes | Water
Additional Information
The Planetarium & Digital Dome runs scheduled shows; planetarium ticket includes museum access on show dates.
Museum may be closed on certain public holidays (e.g., Christmas Day, Workers’ Day) — check website before visiting. Iziko is a public national museum with active research collections.
Inside Guides
Take a walk through the Company’s Garden while visiting.
The Iziko South African National Gallery is in the Company’s Garden as well.
Weather Conditions
Ideal Weather: Clear / Sunny
Rain Alert: None
Weather Experience: Indoor museum, experience largely unaffected by rain; light rain may reduce natural light in some galleries
Reservation Policies
- Walkins accepted.
- Reservations for guided tours recommended.
- Planetarium shows and special events require purchasing tickets in advance (Webtickets) as seating is limited
Estimate Price Range
Museum | R30 – R50+
Planetarium | R50 – R130+
Entry Fee & Prices
Museum
R80 | Admission per person.
R30 – R50 | Discounted rates for South Africans (with ID).
Planetarium
R130 | Admission per person.
R50 – R90 | Discounted rates for South Africans (with ID).
Booking Methods
Phone | Walkins | Webtickets
Ancient insects
Audio guides
Audio-visual displays
Child friendly
Discovery Room
Exhibitions
Events
Fossil exhibits
Gift shop
Guided tours
Historical tools
Interactive exhibits
Library
Parking
Planetarium & Digital Dome
Restrooms
Talks and lectures
Whale Well
Wheelchair accessible
Wi-Fi
Must Tries
Step into the Whale Well and feel the awe of the 20-meter blue whale skeleton as the haunting whale sounds echo around you.
Experience the Planetarium & Digital Dome, where the stars swirl above and the universe comes alive in an immersive show.
Highlights
Marvel at centuries of natural history, from Karoo fossils to intricate entomology displays, all under one historic roof.
Engage with interactive exhibits in the Discovery Room, where curiosity sparks learning for visitors of all ages.
Features
- Ancient insects
- Audio guides
- Audio-visual displays
- Child friendly
- Discovery Room
- Exhibitions
- Events
- Fossil exhibits
- Gift shop
- Guided tours
- Historical tools
- Interactive exhibits
- Library
- Parking
- Planetarium & Digital Dome
- Restrooms
- Talks and lectures
- Whale Well
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wi-Fi
Must Tries
Step into the Whale Well and feel the awe of the 20-meter blue whale skeleton as the haunting whale sounds echo around you.
Experience the Planetarium & Digital Dome, where the stars swirl above and the universe comes alive in an immersive show.
Highlights
Marvel at centuries of natural history, from Karoo fossils to intricate entomology displays, all under one historic roof.
Engage with interactive exhibits in the Discovery Room, where curiosity sparks learning for visitors of all ages.
Address
Company’s Garden, 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens
Parking: Limited onsite parking available
Opening Hours
| Monday – Sunday | 09h00 – 17h00 |
| Winter weekends | 08h30 – 16h00 |
| Last entry | 09h30 | 10h30 | 11h30 |
| Planetarium | Mondays | Closed |
What To Expect
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