About Cape Medical Museum
The Cape Medical Museum lies in Green Point opposite the UCT Graduate school of Business, on the corner of Beach Road.
Did you know? From turn-of-the-century reconstructions of consulting rooms, dispensary, a dentist’s room and operating theatre to an exhibit of a Sangoma’s bones, the Cape Medical Museum is the place to view the path of medical history.
Contained in the New Somerset Hospital in Cape Town, the old city hospital for contagious diseases built by Sir George Grey the governor of the Cape in 1859, the Cape Medical Museum is a great visit if you are interested in the history of medicine, particularly as it emphasises both western and traditional medicine in the Cape.
From turn-of-the-century reconstructions of consulting rooms, dispensary, a dentist’s room and operating theatre to an exhibit of a Sangoma’s bones, the Cape Medical Museum is the place to view the path of medical history.
The history of western medicine in the Cape began with the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck when the Somerset Hospital was built (not to be confused with the New Somerset Hospital, which followed later).
Early medicine was classified according to the symptoms of the disease, and the symptoms alone were treated. It relied on patent medicine, put together by Dutch apothecaries, who were in turn influenced by contact with indigenous peoples like the San, who used indigenous plants as their medicine.
Scientific medicine, which employed ether anaesthesia, only reached the Cape during the nineteenth century, whilst the first medical school was set up in 1912 at the University of Cape Town.
The museum offers guided tours, slide shows, educational programmes, lectures and presentations and archival material. It is also used as a venue for medically-related functions.
Need to Know
WhereCape Medical Museum, Old City Hospital Complex, Portswood Road, Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa
WhenMonday to Friday from 09h00 to 16h00; Saturday by appointment only.
Telephone+27 (0)21 418 5663
OvernightStay in Green Point Accommodation, Cape Town
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inIn the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Green Point
Stadium Guest House
Stadium Guest House is a stylish upmarket property offering comfortable accommodation in Green Point. The Guest House is located in a quiet, secu...
Romney Park Luxury Apartments
Romney Park offers comfortable accommodation in Green Point. Romney Park, as a hotel, held the title of Best 5-Star All Suite Hotel in South Afri...
Nineons 2A
Nineons 2A is located in a modern apartment block, in close proximity to bustling Cape Town City Centre. The accommodation is suitable for both B...
Wessels House
Wessels House in Green Point sleeps eight guests comfortably in four double bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. The lounge has two comforta...
House on the Hill Guesthouse
House on the Hill is set in a quiet street in Green Point, within walking distance from the V&A Waterfront and offering easy access to the city c...
Green Point Studio One
Green Point Self Catering Studio (sleeps two) is a newly renovated self catering studio apartment, furnished and equipped with care to ensure a v...
Bluegum Hill Guest House
Enjoy a full one 180º of the suburbs below, the Green Point Golfing Greens to Table Bay, with its working harbour and the world famous V&A Waterf...
Fairmile Urban Oasis
Welcome to Fairmile Urban Oasis, an inviting apartment offering accommodation in Green Point, Cape Town's vibrant leisure district. This charming...
Check Inn Hotel
Check Inn Hotel in Green Point is ideally situated for business and leisure travel. Our street front location makes access to and from the CBD, T...
Bramber Court
Bramber Court is centrally situated in a quiet cul-de-sac below Signal Hill, with views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island. Each of...
2 Eaton Square
2 Eaton Square is a spacious self-catering apartment in Green Point. The accommodation is situated close to the Green Point hub and is within wal...
Murex Apartment Two
Murex Two is a self catering holiday apartment in Three Anchor Bay with four luxuriously appointed bedrooms, each with a lavish en-suite bathroom...
Atlantic Comfy Central
Atlantic Comfy Central offers self catering accommodation in Green Point. From this delightful location, you are within easy reach of the V&A Wat...
Beaumont Cottages 2
Beaumont Cottage Two in De Waterkant offers self-catering holiday accommodation in Cape Town. Situated in the heart of Cape Town within the upmar...
503 Hillside Heights
503 Hillside Heights is a spacious furnished and well equipped two bedroom apartment with Harbour and Mountain views. The Apartment offers two be...
Cheviot Place Guest House
Cheviot Place is perfectly situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, overlooking Table Bay and Robben Island. We will provide you with a haven of tr...
Antrim House
Antrim House Guest House in Three Anchor Bay offering a selection of comfortable rooms. Choose from single rooms, a twin room or one of the doubl...
Merriman Court
Merriman Court has accommodation in a classic, renovated and spacious two bedroom apartment in a small character block on Merriman Road, which bo...
MOY Guesthouse & Backpackers
Situate in Green Point on the Atlantic Seaboard, MOY Guesthouse & Backpackers offers comfortable accommodation. MOY is the perfect base to explor...
Braeside Loft
Braeside Loft offers accommodation in Green Point Village on the North facing slope of Signal Hill and close to the center of Cape Town. Whilst v...
Brenwin Guest House
Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill in cosmopolitan Green Point, Brenwin Guest House offers Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering Green Point Accomm...
Vesper Apartments
Vesper Apartments offers self catering accommodation in Green Point. The three apartments are within easy reach of shops and restaurants. All apa...
Queen Victoria Hotel
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, the Queen Victoria Hotel welcomes guests to experience the very essence of distinguished luxury, where classi...
Altona Lodge
Altona Lodge is situated in the heart of Green Point within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront, the stadium, Sea Point promenade and more. Th...
Antrim Apartments
Antrim Apartments are modern, fully furnished self-catering apartments located in a brand new building in Green Point. They are a great option fo...
Antrim Villa
Antrim Villa is an old Victorian house built at the end of the 18th Century. This quaint hide away is situated in Green Point and is minutes away...
The Cape Standard
Styled for the new millennium's hottest travel destination, and combining international chic with Cape Town's laid back blend of African and Euro...
Cape Diem Lodge Boutique Hotel
Stylish and elegant, Cape Diem Lodge Boutique Hotel captures the spirit of the lifestyle and the rich heritage of South Africa's 'mother city' un...
Green Point Studio Two
Green Point Studio Two (sleeps max four) is a tastefully renovated self-catering studio apartment, furnished and equipped with care to ensure a v...
123 Ocean View Drive
123 Ocean View Drive is a newly renovated luxury self catering studio apartment, situated in wind free Green Point with magnificent views of the ...
Harpers House
Harpers House offers comfortable accommodation in Cape Town in a beautiful Victorian property that is modern and contemporary throughout. We offe...
Braeside Apartment
Braeside Apartment offers accommodation in Green Point Village on the North facing slope of Signal Hill and close to the center of Cape Town. Whi...
Neighbourgood Romney
Stylish, yet with a laid-back, kick-your-shoes-off beach house feel, Neighbourgood Romney is located in Green Point, on Cape Town's Atlantic Seab...
ANEW Hotel Green Point
ANEW Hotel Green Point is nestled in the heart of Cape Town's vibrant Green Point area, a stone's throw away from the iconic V&A Waterfront. Imme...
14 Portswood Mews
Portswood Mews 14 offers accommodation in an apartment located in a secure complex in Green Point, Cape Town. The complex is within easy reach of...
Portswood 103
Portswood 103 exudes modern luxury in the well-known area of Green Point in Cape Town. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The apartment offe...
Murex Apartment Three
Murex Apartment Three is a self catering holiday apartment with three bedrooms, each with a lavish en-suite bathroom. The apartment offers two s...
Jambo Guest House
Jambo Guest House is in walking distance to V&A Waterfront and Restaurants. Jambo Guest House offers style and olde worlde charm, but most of al...
Murex Apartment One
Murex Apartment One is in walking distance of the scenic Sea Point Promenade. The living, dining and kitchen areas are open-plan and lead onto a ...
Atlantic Cascade
Atlantic Cascade is a stunning apartment offering accommodation in Green Point. The apartment enjoys breath-taking views overlooking the Cape Tow...
Port View House
Port View House is a offers bed & breakfast accommodation in eight lovely en-suite bedrooms in Green Point. From this ideal location you are with...
The Greenhouse Guesthouse
Centrally situated in the vibey suburb of Green Point, The Greenhouse Boutique Hotel is a charming, newly renovated Victorian Manor house. This i...
A Sunflower Stop
A Sunflower Stop is a small and charming 4-star city hostel offering relaxing and comfortable budget accommodation in Cape Town. This inexpensive...
Atlantic Doric 005
Atlantic Doric 005 is a lovely, modern, one bedroom apartment with a front facing view over Green Point Main Road. When staying at Doric 005 you ...
Mouille Grange 108
Welcome to the Mouille Grange 108, self catering accommodation in Mouille Point. Nestled in the heart of the enchanting Mouille Point, a small, v...
Wilton Manor
Wilton Manor immediately shares with the visitor the Victorian splendour of bygone years - with a wrap-around balcony, high volume pressed ceilin...
Wessels House Studio
Wessels House Studio is perfect for one or two people who are looking to explore Cape Town or for a business traveller. This comfortable studio a...
Bayflowers Guest House
Bayflowers Guest House is an urban oasis between the quirky quarters of Green Point and Sea Point: walk to the V&A Waterfront, stroll along the B...
Sugar Hotel
Sugar Hotel is a chic, sleek boutique hotel offering stylish accommodation in Cape Town. We are ideally situated within walking distance of the V...
Harbour View Villa
Harbour View Villa offers accommodation in Green Point and is part of a large house that has been split into two private apartments. This apartme...
York Mews 14
York Mews 22 is a two bedroom self catering apartment, with a private patio in a small complex in Green Point. This luxurious 2 bedroom, 1 bathro...
The Tree House Boutique Hotel
Tree House Boutique Hotel is an exceptional boutique hotel perfectly positioned in vibrant and trendy Green Point. All rooms are equipped with a ...
Villa Zest Boutique Hotel
Nestled between the bustling Green Point area and Cape Town's very own Soho - De Waterkant, Villa Zest Boutique Hotel offers designer luxury acco...
Point B Guest House
Set at the foot of Signal Hill in a quiet Green Point street, Point b is uniquely placed - within walking distance of the famous Victoria and Alf...
Greenpark Studio
Greenpark Studio is a well designed studio apartment offering Green Point accommodation within the Greenpark apartment block. This is the perfect...
Warwick Mansions 2
Warwick Mansions 2 is a two-bedroom apartment offering self-catering accommodation in Green Point, a vibrant suburb of Cape Townjust steps away f...
Neighbourgood Hill
Neighbourgood Hill offers various accommodation and room types to choose from. All the rooms have a smart TV, Wi-Fi, work desk and tea / coffee m...
Things to do in the area
Coffee & Breakfast at Giovannis
Giovanni’s is an authentic Italian owned and run deli style pavement café in Green Point, loved by everyone who knows it. One of the first places...
Green Point Stadium Visitor Centre
The Green Point Stadium™ Visitor Centre originally allowed visitors to see the construction site and progress of the Green Point stadium from a v...
Picnic dinner at Signal Hill
For a dinner with a difference, pack a picnic basket, grab a bottle of wine, a blanket and head to the look-out point at Signal Hill. This well k...
Green Point Urban Park
Green Point Urban Park includes a fitness park for cycling, outdoor training and gym; a learning park for functions, seminars and arts training; ...
Cape Quarter
Standing out as one of the most stylish shopping centres in the Western Cape, the Cape Quarter in De Waterkant is home to over 100 stylish retail...
Anatoli Turkish Restaurant
On entering Anatoli Turkish Restaurant in Green Point, one is enveloped with a sense of warmth and a feeling of being in Turkey. Owned and manage...
Green Point Lighthouse
Green Point Lighthouse is the square, candy red and white striped beacon that is often erroneously called Mouille Point Lighthouse because of whe...
Village Market @ Cape Quarter
Immerse yourself in Cape Town’s Culture at the Village Market. This European style market offers a large range of local goods and produce that ar...
Accommodation convenient to Cape Medical Museum
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Atlantic Seaboard Accommodation / Green Point Accommodation