About Slave Church Museum
Despite its position in Cape Town as one of the oldest and most graceful buildings on Long Street, the Slave Church Museum is without many visitors.
Perhaps this is because it is not on the well-trodden route of popular historical walks through town. Or simply because few know of its existence as the oldest mission church in the country, and the third oldest church of any denomination to still hold its original form.
Did you know? Exhibitions in the Slave Church Museum include the history of the congregation and the building, as well as the missionary work of the time.
The Slave Church Museum building was constructed by the efforts of the mason, Johan Gottfried Mocke, and carpenter, Joseph van Schalkover, assisted by slaves and free black people at the Cape in 1802 for the South African Missionary Institution.
The beautiful basilica, built with a curved apse, has the only remaining example of a lime-concrete roof, its front steps made from Robben Island slate. Its pretty stone and wood interior features oak pews, a neo-classical pulpit and an organ whilst the main gallery is supported by teak wood columns that were originally a ship's mast.
The mission's main intent was to provide literacy training and Bible classes to slaves, which is why it became known as the Slave Church.
By the 1960s the church was neglected and run-down, part of its walls collapsed. The provincial authorities restored it in the late 1970s assisted by a drawing of the building's original exterior.
Look out for regular concerts as the acoustics of the Slave Church Museum make it ideal for music.
Need to Know
WhereThe Slave Church Museum, 40 Long Street, Cape Town Central, City Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa
WhenMonday to Friday from 09h00 to 16h00.
OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape
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If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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 inAttractions near Cape Town Central
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town

The Vynide 102
The Vynide 102 is a studio apartment which is located in the Paardevlei Estate in the town of Somerset West. Far enough to feel like you are in t...

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...


Coco Swift 4
Coco Swift 4 is a stylish studio apartment offering self-catering accommodation in Salt River, Cape Town. The apartment that brings you tranquili...

Central Beach Villas
Central Beach Villas offers accommodation in Camps Bay and is near to numerous activities to do. Here there are restaurants in the area for guest...

Dolphin Inn Guest House
Dolphin Inn Guesthouse has been offering accommodation in Mouille Point since 1998. The guest house is a short walk away from the Victoria & Alfr...

House By The Sea
House By The Sea offers accommodation in three luxurious, self-catering units; a 3-bedroom home and two x 2-bedoom luxury apartments. Located in ...

The President Hotel
The President Hotel offers accommodation in Bantry Bay, an exclusive and wind-free suburb just a step away from the buzz of Cape Town's CBD. Pres...

The Loft Apartment
The Loft provides accommodation in Hout Bay for a total of six guests. Located on the Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town city centre is 21km away, Hou...
Things to do in the area

Helicopter Flights With Extreme Scene
Take a tour via Helicopter over Cape Town and the Peninsula. Get a birds eye view of the Cape on this fun and popular Helicopter Tour. Various tr...

Ski-Hi Ride
Did you know that the odd adrenaline rush has some amazing health benefits? It helps you to breathe easier, it's a great pain-blocker, it boosts ...

Attend a Parliamentary Session
The city of Cape Town, despite not being the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa's Parliament (Cape Town is the legislative capital)...

Bathe at Long Street Baths
In the centre of Long Street, Cape Town, facing the Long Street Bath's heritage doors, look to the right for a view of Table Mountain, look to th...

Be Cool at Daddy Cools
The Grand Daddy's hotel bar is the ‘blingest' in Cape Town. It's not just a cool bar, it's a Daddy Cool bar! A palette of metallics and a roll-ca...

Carriage Tour of Cape Town
Cape Town Carriage Company offers the experience of exploring The Cape Town Business District and the Company's Garden in style and allows a more...

Diamond Cutting Tours
The Diamond Works is a one-stop, exciting experience for tourists, both young and old. Situated on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Life Cent...

Dine at Addis
Addis in Cape provides you with an inviting ambience and a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city of Cape Town. With its talente...

Eastern Food Bazaar
If you thought you could no longer afford to eat out when you stay in Cape Town, consider the Eastern Food Bazaar in what used to be the Wellingt...
Accommodation convenient to Slave Church Museum
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation