The museum's collection contains 200-million-year-old dinosaur fossils discovered in the Karoo region.
The Iziko Planetarium is the most advanced digital planetarium in Africa.
The museum building itself has been expanded multiple times since its original construction, with the current structure reflecting colonial-era architecture.
The specimen collection is one of the most comprehensive archives of Southern African biodiversity in the world.
Founded in 1825, the Iziko South African Museum is the oldest museum in sub-Saharan Africa. The permanent collection houses over 1.5 million scientific specimens spanning zoology, paleontology, and archaeology. Its fossil displays include significant Karoo fossils that detail the evolution of mammals from reptiles over millions of years. The Whale Well features an impressive collection of whale skeletons suspended from the ceiling, including a blue whale skeleton. The rock art gallery showcases authentic San and Khoisan rock art, providing insight into the region's indigenous cultural history. The museum also contains a planetarium and digital dome, which offers immersive space-themed shows. It is located within the historic Company’s Garden, which served as a refreshment station for the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century.
Standing directly under the suspended blue whale skeleton in the Whale Well.
Prioritize the Whale Well area as it is the most visually striking section of the museum.
Check the planetarium show schedule upon arrival, as these have fixed start times and limited seating.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Company’s Garden.
Do not rush through the lower levels; the most scientifically significant fossil records are often located in the smaller, peripheral galleries.
Open daily, including weekends and public holidays; check for temporary closures during major national holiday periods.
Maintain a quiet volume and refrain from touching the open-display specimens.
