The Big Hole Museum
About This Museum
People come to the Big Hole Museum for one reason: to stand at the edge of the colossal, hand-dug chasm that birthed a diamond rush. It's not just a hole in the ground, though; it's a portal to a feverish era where prospectors clawed at the earth with sheer determination. You can almost feel their desperation and hope in the air. The whole experience is surprisingly moving, leaving you with a profound sense of awe for human ambition and its costs.
Collection Highlights
The main event is obviously the viewing platform over the Big Hole itself, but don't miss the authentic reconstruction of old Kimberley, complete with dusty streets and original buildings you can walk into. Seeing the old mining equipment and hearing tales of the 'rush' really makes history come alive.
Visitor Information
It's right in Kimberley, super easy to find. Just wear comfy shoes because you'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the site.
Architecture & Building
The museum buildings are mostly low-rise and functional, designed to blend with or replicate the late 19th-century corrugated iron and brick style of the original mining town.
Contact & Location
Address: 8301, Sol Plaatje Ward 20, Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Frances Baard District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
Phone: +27 53 839 4600
Website: Visit Website
