Visit the SA Jewish Museum

About Visit the SA Jewish Museum

The South African Jewish Museum was officially opened by Nelson Mandela in 2000. Standing proud in the 'Museum Mile' in central Cape Town the entrance to the museum is situated in the Old Synagogue which is the first synagogue built in South Africa is 1863. A bridge symbolising both the connecting of the old and the new as well as the gangplank to the shores of the Cape and the immigrants' new homeland; links the synagogue to the new gallery. The museum also borders the National Gallery and Company Gardens.

Within its bold architectural design the museum is interactive and high-tech involving a variety of media to present highlights of South African history. Multi media displays allow visitors to interact with engaging accounts of history. The Jewish communities’ stories are told as vital account of individuals, organisations and contributors. The museum transforms the Jewish communities’ story through dynamic displays revealing their response to the political and moral challenges that confronted them.

Discover the individuals who paved the Jewish way building a new heritage at home and abroad transforming from tailors to tycoons; peddlers to professors; carpenters to cricketers; innkeepers to IT wizards. Family trees reveal lost generations as international exhibitions reflect local masterworks. A unique museum experience showcasing champions of social justice through pairing original historic artifacts and touch screen computers.

In tribute to a man who fought for equal human rights for all, an award winning documentary film 'Nelson Mandela, a righteous man' is screened all day. Rare Judaica artifacts are on display and animated video footage gives life to the famous Barney Benato and Max Rose. The environment is abundant in history, culture and religion. The stately white washed building comprises of the Great Synagogue (1905), the Albow Centre holding the South African Jewish Museum Shop, the Gitlin Library, Cafe Riteve, the Israel Abrahams Hall and the Cape Town Holocaust Centre. A day at the South African Jewish Museum amongst the ponds, fountains, statues, gnarled oak tress, modern staircases and architecture of history is profoundly moving and freshly educational.