Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum
Bo‑Kaap Museum – an intimate, heritage‑house museum on Wale Street showcasing Cape Malay culture, 19th‑c. home life, religion & local history in the colourful Bo‑Kaap.
Location
71 Wale St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Located at 71 Wale Street in Schotsche Kloof, the Iziko Bo‑Kaap Museum is housed in one of the oldest original buildings in the neighbourhood, dating from the 1760s. Preserved as a typical 19th‑century Cape Malay home, it offers a profound glimpse into daily life, furnished with period‑appropriate rooms including a bridal chamber, traditional kitchen and living spaces decorated with historic Cape Dutch interiors. Visitors can explore richly curated exhibits featuring Cape Malay attire, religious artefacts, Quranic calligraphy, household utensils, and archival photographs. The museum also highlights the history of freed slaves and early Muslim settlers, tracing Bo‑Kaap’s evolution as a vibrant multicultural enclave. A thoughtfully produced 20‑minute video documentary provides personal narratives from community members, bringing the district’s complex past to life.
🕰️ Practical Info
- Open: Mon–Sat, 09:00 – 17:00 (summer); Winter hours vary slightly on weekends
- Closed: Sundays & public/bank holidays
- Entry Fee: R20 (Adults), R10 (6–18 yrs), under‑5s free; RSA students/pensioners R10; free on commemorative days
- Contact: +27 21 481 3938 | info@iziko.org.za
Insider tip: combine your visit with a guided walking tour around the colourful cobbled lanes to absorb the full cultural richness of Bo‑Kaap .
✅ Why Visit?
- Living history: Authentic Cape Malay home reflecting heritage, faith, and daily life
- Rich context: Personal stories, stunning artefacts, and cultural layers add depth beyond the bright facades
- Perfect length: A compact yet powerful cultural immersion—usually 30–60 min is plenty
In Summary: The Iziko Bo‑Kaap Museum is a charming, evocative portal into Cape Malay heritage and Bo‑Kaap’s layered history. Set within a preserved 18th‑century dwelling, it offers a rich, personal, and cultural experience that deepens understanding of this iconic neighbourhood.
Located at 71 Wale Street in Schotsche Kloof, the Iziko Bo‑Kaap Museum is housed in one of the oldest original buildings in the neighbourhood, dating from the 1760s. Preserved as a typical 19th‑century Cape Malay home, it offers a profound glimpse into daily life, furnished with period‑appropriate rooms including a bridal chamber, traditional kitchen and living spaces decorated with historic Cape Dutch interiors. Visitors can explore richly curated exhibits featuring Cape Malay attire, religious artefacts, Quranic calligraphy, household utensils, and archival photographs. The museum also highlights the history of freed slaves and early Muslim settlers, tracing Bo‑Kaap’s evolution as a vibrant multicultural enclave. A thoughtfully produced 20‑minute video documentary provides personal narratives from community members, bringing the district’s complex past to life.
🕰️ Practical Info
- Open: Mon–Sat, 09:00 – 17:00 (summer); Winter hours vary slightly on weekends
- Closed: Sundays & public/bank holidays
- Entry Fee: R20 (Adults), R10 (6–18 yrs), under‑5s free; RSA students/pensioners R10; free on commemorative days
- Contact: +27 21 481 3938 | info@iziko.org.za
Insider tip: combine your visit with a guided walking tour around the colourful cobbled lanes to absorb the full cultural richness of Bo‑Kaap .
✅ Why Visit?
- Living history: Authentic Cape Malay home reflecting heritage, faith, and daily life
- Rich context: Personal stories, stunning artefacts, and cultural layers add depth beyond the bright facades
- Perfect length: A compact yet powerful cultural immersion—usually 30–60 min is plenty
In Summary: The Iziko Bo‑Kaap Museum is a charming, evocative portal into Cape Malay heritage and Bo‑Kaap’s layered history. Set within a preserved 18th‑century dwelling, it offers a rich, personal, and cultural experience that deepens understanding of this iconic neighbourhood.