Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre
About This Museum
It's a startling but vital truth that this museum sits in the shadow of Table Mountain, connecting two histories of profound injustice. You enter through a stark, contemporary facade on Hatfield Street, a place that feels both solemn and strangely serene. Inside, the narrative doesn't just document the European Holocaust; it bravely weaves those events into the fabric of South Africa's own apartheid history. The power here is in the parallels it draws, creating a deeply personal and challenging experience for any Capetonian or visitor. It’s less a traditional museum and more a space for quiet, necessary reflection.
Collection Highlights
Personal testimonies from Holocaust survivors who later settled in South Africa are central, alongside exhibits on the 1994 Rwandan genocide. One of the most moving features is the 'Book of Names', meticulously documenting victims. The center also doesn't shy away from local context, with powerful displays that examine the mechanics of apartheid as a form of state-sponsored persecution.
Visitor Information
It's right in the City Centre at 88 Hatfield Street, incredibly easy to pop into. They're open weekdays and until early afternoon on Fridays; just check their website for specific times as they can change. Entry is free, though donations are very welcome to support their important work.
Architecture & Building
The building is a study in modern, contemplative design—clean lines, muted tones, and clever use of natural light that creates shifting shadows throughout the day. It feels intentionally unassuming from the outside, allowing the weight of the stories inside to take center stage.
Contact & Location
Address: South African Jewish Museum, 88, Hatfield Street, Cape Town Ward 115, Cape Town, City of Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 462 5553
Website: Visit Website
