Jewish Museum | Attraction

Western Cape Attractions | Cape Town Attractions | Gardens Attractions

The South African Jewsih Museum was officially opened by Neslon Mandela in December 2000.

The brainchild of Mendel Kaplan, the museum's founder and one of the benefactors, the project took about four years from planning to completion.

Set in the heart of the Company's Garden in Museum Mile, it is a major attraction for local and internatonal tourism.

The South African Museum offers visitors a truly unique experience with its bold architectural design, interactive multi-media displays and engaging accounts of South African Jewsih history.

The SA Jewish Museum commands two views. One section borders the National Gallery and Company's Garden - arguably the most interesting urban square mile in the country. This environment is rich in historical, cultureal and religious associations and the stately white-washed bulidings, walkways, stairs, fountains, ponds, staties and gnarled oak trees all exude an old fashioned colonial charm.

The main body of the museum faces onto a paved landscaped court linking the Old Synagogue (1863)- the first synagogue built in South African soil, the Great Synagogue (1905), and the Albow Centre, which comprises the South African jewish Museum Shop, the Gitlin Library, the Cafe Riteve, the Cape Town Holocaust Centre, and the Israel Abrahams hall

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