Explore the renowned arts, history and immerse yourself in the culture of Cape Town under the stars as the highly-anticipated Museum Night returns on February 21 2019.
The event caters to young and old, making it a family-friendly outing or a romantic date night. With a total of 10 museums and art galleries participating this year, it is bound to be a memorable evening.
Live musical performances, art shows, walkabouts and informational tours allow patrons to soak up the rich art experience.
And the best part, entry to selected museums is free of charge. Museum Night takes place from 5pm-10pm.
Explore these museums on the night:
Iziko South African National Gallery
With art works and historical pieces that date back centuries, the gallery is home to both permanent and temporary exhibits of South African artists. Two performance shows will be held at the gallery during the event.
Iziko South African Museum
Known as the country’s principle natural history museum, the Iziko South African museum is a must-visit as it dates back to 1825. Popular exhibits include the Whale Well and the Wonders of Nature. The museum will cater to kids as it offers a face painting and balloon modeling session at the H2O exhibit.
A dinosaur exhibit is enthralling and offers a glimpse into the prehistoric past.
Several talks and presentations will be hosted by esteemed professors, touching on various topics from the Cape flora to understanding cavemen. A detailed list of talks and events at the museum for the night can be found here.
Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome
Home to the most advanced digital planetarium in Africa, patrons can explore the universe, stars, planets and more.
A 30 -40 minute demo show will wow visitors and admission is granted on a first come first serve basis before each show. There will be several shows such as Dream to Fly, Sky Tonight, Perfect Little Planet and more, on offer.
South African Jewish Museum
Housed in South Africa’s first synagogue named the ‘Old Shul’, the museum showcases the history of Judaism culture with various permanent exhibits and temporary ones on display. The Old Shul was built in 1863 and the current building is filled with rich history.
Patrons are advised to bring their ID’s to enter the South African Jewish Museum. Various music performances will take place during the evening.
Cape Town Holocaust Centre
The centre aims to create a moving experience for patrons with the main message promoting a caring society where diversity and human rights are valued. Experience an emotional, eye-opening journey as you walk through the centre. Various performances will take place. Don’t forget to bring your ID to enter.
District Six Museum
Step back in time to the thriving and rich community of District Six in Cape Town. The museum captures the vibrancy and history of the area. Several permanent exhibitions are on display, and each touches on senses of patrons from touch, smell, sight and sound.
Iziko Slave Lodge
The Iziko Slave Lodge is one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town and focuses on the history of slavery in South Africa.
It showcases rare items from different periods and areas such as Russian tea sets to Eastern inspired kitchen utensils. The museum aims to raise awareness of human rights and the impact of slavery.
The Old Granary Building
Recently restored, the Old Granary is steeped in history and is now home to the new Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy foundation. The exhibit honours Desmond Tutu and showcases the history of the building itself.
SA Sendinggestig Museum
Located in a building that dates back to 1801, the museum was once home to a congregation of Khoikhoi and slaves who converted to Christianity. A permanent exhibition showcasing the history of the church and the building is on display.
A4 Arts Foundation
Functioning as a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the arts of Southern African, the foundation hosts a gallery and project space. David Goldblatt, a well-known South African photographer will be showcasing a series of his works titled Picture Theory: An interaction with David Goldblatt.
A multimedia library is available at the foundation and two live performances are scheduled for the event.
Muller’s Museum
Visit a unique exhibition in the Mother City at Muller’s Museum with an optometry exhibition The museum showcases spectacle frames, memorabilia, clocks, record books and artifacts dating back to 1890. Take a walk up to the third level of the Muller’s building to visit the exhibition.
Picture: Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, Facebook