South African Jewish Museum image

South African Jewish Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

Polished venue presenting artifacts & displays documenting Judaism & Jewish life in South Africa. People often mention museum, Jewish, history, South, visit, interesting, Africa, exhibits, holocaust, Cape,


Address

88 Hatfield St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Website

www.sajewishmuseum.co.za

Contact

+27 21 465 1546

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (405 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 2 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (33) Jewish (26) history (24) South (21) visit (17) interesting (17) Africa (15) exhibits (9) holocaust (8) Cape (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Rofhiwa N. 1 year ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Worth the visit. Get to learn so much about South African Jewish history. The staff were also friendly and offered to answer any questions. The holocaust museum across is also on the same premises.There are also nice cafe and restaurant on site and around the area.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Linda G. 2 years ago on Google • 103 reviews
    Upon entering the museum grounds, you feel like you‘ve reached a little paradise within the city. However, the exhibition is not up to par with the exceptional exterior. There are next to no exhibits, instead you are overwhelmed with badly formated text conveying very little information, while a cacophony of video testimonials prevents you from focusing. I recommend skipping the museum and enjoying the peace and comfort of the grounds from the café.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Em D. 4 years ago on Google • 445 reviews
    This was so well set up, we chose to visit from the tour bus. We visited the holocaust memorial and it was such an eye opener. Very good and accurate information. You can spend hours in here just reading and observing the primary sources supplied here. Definitely worth a visit and the lady at the front was so lovely and informative.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard G. 1 year ago on Google • 22 reviews
    Superb! Excellent history of Cape Town and the Jewish people moving here from Europe. Really well laid out and detailed exhibits. There is cafe and shop which overlook a very peaceful area in the middle of the complex.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kandukuri Pavan K. 2 years ago on Google
    It is an amazing place to visit where you would be exposed to many memorial things. One can experience the era of Jewish. Loved to visit this museum.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacqui B. 1 year ago on Google • 137 reviews
    Always plenty to learn here. Definitely worth the guided tour, having been before on my own. Lots of stories and interesting tidbits added that were of interest to the group I was with. The Director knows his space and the community history. I was far more engaged than taking photos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 lamise i. 3 months ago on Google • 59 reviews New
    I love learning about other faiths and cultures. This was such an interesting experience. It was the first time I saw the Torah in person. They have some lovely interactive spaces where you can dress up for photos in a time gone by. There are audio pods where the stories of exhibits are told. I would recommend a guided tour if you are not familiar with the faith. A must see if you find yourself in town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shereen B. 2 years ago on Google • 49 reviews
    Amazing....and not just focused on 1 religion but the acceptance of all of them and respect shown to all religions as well. I really learned a lot from a religion that is hardly spoken about other than bring linked with the holocaust.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donovan W. 6 months ago on Google • 32 reviews
    Wonderful staff with good knowledge to make your experience a truly memorable one. Loved my time there. Was not my 1st; will definitely not be my last.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole 2 years ago on Google
    Located across from the Holocaust museum, this interesting museum shows the history of the Jewish people in South Africa. A very-well laid out museum that shows the rich culture of South African Jews. If you take the time to visit the Holocaust museum, I recommend stopping in at the South African Jewish Museum as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bob S. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a must see. Very well done 👍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D R. 3 years ago on Google
    Must see.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James M. 4 years ago on Google
    An interesting and detailed history of Jewish people in South Africa, the recreated shtetl a highlight for me. The Holocaust Museum (located on the same complex) is a detailed and moving account of the horrors of Nazism and the terrible suffering of its victims; it honours their pain and does a great service to humanity in reminding us to be vigilant to the horrors of which we are a capable. It is everyone's duty to heed its warning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sabrina D. 4 years ago on Google
    I learned so much about Jewish history; especially, the Ethiopian Jews that I didn't know before today. Thank you for sharing their stories with dignity! I will definitely tell my friends in the U.S. to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy C. 5 years ago on Google
    Shocking reminder of how horrible human beings can be.. The holocaust museum shocked me and reminded me of what a nasty history our recent European history has been. It also reminded me what heroes our grandparents and forefathers were for fighting against this madness. My deepest sympathies with all Jews everywhere. Jeremy Castillo, Malta 🇲🇹
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Omar H. 3 years ago on Google
    Polished venue presenting artifacts & displays documenting Judaism & Jewish life in South Africa.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mariska De W. 3 years ago on Google
    I loved that my children got an activity book upon entering. It made the outing much more interactive and exciting for them. My favourite part was the town setting at the botom. Just note that anyone above the age of 12 pays to enter. It is R100 per person at the moment.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Roxanne van s. 2 years ago on Google
    When we got there we were told R100 a person.. And its not, its R60. Its really lovely and modern. Price wasn't an issue, just to find out afterwards was a little ridiculous. There is 2 museums! The one where you learn about Ali and the jewish history in south africa, you pay for. If you want to see information about the holocaust is in the other museum, which is free. We only found this out after walking around the museum. Really really lovely though. I wont be returning however, nor recommending the first museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Philip T. 1 year ago on Google
    The Eternal Scholar opened last night. Striking portrait photography by late Arnold Castle makes for an impressive exhibition. mapmyway.co.za
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joel M. 5 years ago on Google
    Very emotional and yet so much rich history one can learn from this place, worth checking out when in Cape Town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johannes J. 1 year ago on Google • 65 reviews
    This is simply a museum that people should visit. You owe it to yourself and others. It absolutely brings the community, their believes, culture and history to life.

  • 1/5 Benjamin N. 1 month ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    Have no clue why this even exists. Google description of course make it sound like gods favorite nation, has had almost no significance.

  • 3/5 Andreas T. 2 years ago on Google
    The South African Jewish Museum is a nice little museum, but not nearly worth the rather steep entrance fee of 200 R. The exhibition on the top floor provides some interesting information about the Jewish history of South Africa, but doesn't really explore any topic in depth. The multimedia parts of the exhibition do not add anything to the museum experience. About a quarter of the whole museum is dedicated to the life of a cricketer, and that space could have been used more fruitfully to explore other topics. The reconstruction of life in the shtetl lacks any annotation. Overall the museum is overpriced for what it is, and underwhelming for how much it costs.

  • 5/5 Joelle R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very interesting, pleasant staff and kitchen (Original) Très intéressant, personnel et cuisine agréables

  • 5/5 Gerhard van der B. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome to see the history behind the Jewish culture and what happened in Germany. Would love to visit it again some day.

  • 5/5 Sy W. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting and thoughtful presentation.

  • 5/5 Festool M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit with the family. Will go back again anytime

  • 5/5 Adam M. 2 years ago on Google
    One of best curated museums in Cape Town. Fascinating history of the community's past and present.

  • 5/5 Sarah K. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic peephole into another Cape Town. Friendly and informative docents. Bit on the expensive side, but we'll worth a visit. Really good exhibition on until end of March

  • 5/5 Kevin K. 3 years ago on Google
    Great museum to visit. Exhibits are brilliantly done and very informative. Very well done

  • 5/5 Lynne V. 3 years ago on Google
    A very beautiful and well organized permanent exhibition and interesting temporary ones. Dont must the Netsuke.

  • 5/5 Deborah R. 3 years ago on Google
    What a great experience. The history of Jews in South Africa and their contribution to this country are vividly shown. The Netsuke collection is astonishing. Well worth a visit.

  • 4/5 Vanessa K. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting and well run museum. A must for anyone wanting to understand the different cultures and people that live in South Africa. Adjoining holocaust museum also fascinating and very sobering. Such an important reminder of the horror that can be inflicted on people.

  • 4/5 Richard S. 5 years ago on Google
    Housed in the original synagogue that was replace next door when they outgrew it. It is a Jewish campus with the newer synagogue, Holocaust Museum and a Kosher dairy deli. It traces the history of Jews coming to South Africa, notable Jewish families, and some recreations of typical rooms in a Jewish household in the basement.

  • 5/5 marley w. 4 years ago on Google
    I spent an afternoon at the South African Jewish Museum in February and was very moved by the entire presentation. I am grateful for the experience and the fact I learned more about my families journey from Russia. Thankyou for being the stewards of our rich culture. Shalom

  • 5/5 Jordan E. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful small museum that captures fascinating history of a culture

  • 5/5 Lyle “Aston Winter” C. 1 year ago on Google
    Just came from visiting and the staff were beyond delightful and informative. I've seen things I ever thought I would ever get the chance to see in person and recommend that everyone goes once a year

  • 5/5 Mark B. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic displays of Jewish life and history in Cape Town and South Africa. Well worth the visit.

  • 5/5 Shanne M. 4 years ago on Google
    Closed when I got there

  • 4/5 yossi b. 1 year ago on Google
    I recently visited the Jewish museum in Cape Town and was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of information and artifacts on display. The self-guided tour allowed me to explore at my own pace and really take in all the exhibits. One of the highlights for me was learning about the history of the Jewish community in South Africa. The museum did a great job of presenting the challenges and triumphs of this community in an engaging and thought-provoking way. I also really appreciated the attention to detail in the exhibits. Each one was well-curated and provided a wealth of information about the different cultural and historical aspects of Jewish life in South Africa. Overall, I would definitely recommend a visit to the Jewish museum in Cape Town. Whether you are interested in Jewish history or just want to learn more about the diverse culture of South Africa, this museum is a must-see.

  • 3/5 Ellie B. 4 years ago on Google
    Some interesting small exhibits

  • 4/5 Don P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting!

  • 5/5 Lindsay J. 1 year ago on Google
    Super interesting museum. We spotted that there was a braai for Chanukah and was very grateful to be invited along to celebrate with the community. It was a privilege to celebrate a wonderful Chanukah / World Cup with you. Thank you

  • 4/5 Scott 9 months ago on Google
    An interesting museum that celebrates and tells the history of Jewish immigration to South Africa. The exhibits feel dated -- like they were high tech when the museum first opened but definitely not anymore. The films are much too slowly paced, and some of the exhibits are a bit too focused on celebrating those who became business and financial leaders, but this is a problem in general with Jewish museums. Perhaps the most important lesson taught in this museum is the unintended one. The levels of security surrounding the museum are the best evidence of the ongoing threat of antisemitism that still pervades society.

  • 5/5 Carla van der M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great experience and lovely people that work there ?

  • 5/5 Joanne B. 8 months ago on Google
    Delicious kosher restaurant next door. (Ritave?) We visited 2 times! Even during loadshedding Henry was as hospitable as can be, letting know what dishes were still available. He lent me his personal cable to charge my phone. Thank you Henry!

  • 5/5 Impulse 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful experiences

  • 5/5 Nuria M. 5 years ago on Google
    Great insight on the Jewish community in South Africa. The entrance fee is 25 Rands.

  • 5/5 Jonathan P. 4 years ago on Google
    Never realized how much of the Jewish community had settled in SA. Excellent documentation and history. Suprising to learn Mandela was viewed as a righteous gentile until after visiting the musem.

  • 3/5 Fiona F. 3 years ago on Google
    The reception people was so nice but the museum closed..

  • 5/5 petunia m. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place to learn Jewish arrival in South Africa. Filled with amaizing arts

  • 5/5 Garth L. 4 years ago on Google
    What an eye opener.

  • 5/5 Dee M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautifully curated space

  • 5/5 Nathan K. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful setting, very informative.

  • 5/5 Lizzie B. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing history in this place, a must see. Please dont skip it

  • 4/5 Jonathan P. 3 years ago on Google
    Historical

  • 5/5 Stephanie H. 4 years ago on Google
    A very enlightening experience. I wasn't aware of the large number of jewish immigrants who had fled to South Africa.

  • 3/5 Robert L. 4 years ago on Google
    Its ok..the holocaust museum is next door, alot more interesting and there is no entry fee.

  • 1/5 Ismail A. 3 years ago on Google
    Information not 100% true

  • 5/5 Matt, Peninsula F. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting

  • 5/5 Guy D. 4 years ago on Google
    Spent 2 hours there and could have done with another 30 to 45mins. Well detailed account of the jewish settlement in SA followed by an intense lookback at the holocaust. Worth the visit.

  • 4/5 nela s. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting

  • 5/5 Bongiwe R. 4 years ago on Google
    Tour guide informative, now I know how the Jews helped South Africans during apartheid. And they have an example of how their houses looked back then...

  • 5/5 tigerstyle 4 years ago on Google
    Profoundly meaningful. Excellent exhibits. Detail captured is jarring.

  • 5/5 Daniel G. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent! Was recently there for a photographic launch! Incredible!!’

  • 5/5 Michael V. 4 years ago on Google
    Extremely interesting

  • 5/5 Mark H. 4 years ago on Google
    Thou shalt not be a victim, thou shalt not be a perpetrator, but, above all, thou shalt not be a bystander!

  • 4/5 Lea A. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) charming!! Very interesting and impressive !!!! (Original) מקסים!! מעניין ומרשים מאוד!!!!

  • 5/5 Debbie E. 4 years ago on Google
    Outstanding art exhibition by Herzlia Matric students.

  • 5/5 Reuven N. 4 years ago on Google
    The story of Jews involvement in SA community.

  • 5/5 Susan M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very moving. Everyone should see this museum. Very well run. Excellent

  • 5/5 Ella C. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and it's a part of our jewish history . Very interesting and informative.

  • 5/5 Valerie K. 4 years ago on Google
    Clean, friendly and well expressed. A must visit when in Cape town


Call +27 21 465 1546 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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