Simon's Town Museum
Simon's Town Museum
4.5
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Another Dutch East India Company property, this former governor’s home contains crafts and artifacts illustrating local cultural heritage.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
107 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
49
Average
14
Poor
1
Terrible
0
royzaz
Cape Town, South Africa106 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
Fascinating insight into the many facets of Simon's Town history. It started with a collection of MOTH memorabilia and built out from there. The MOTH club is situated next to the museum and is itself worth a visit for those interested in military and naval history (by arrangement). The museum has friendly staff and a little shop for souvenirs and appropriate booklets, leaflets etc for sale. Ample parking in the grounds.
Written July 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenCopenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark229 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
I saw the sign for the museum on my left as I was driving towards the cape and immediately pulled in to the large parking lot to have a look-see. A 10 rand contribution secured my entrance and then I had a pleasant chat with the volunteer who was manning the cash desk that day. She explained a bit of the history of the museum and then off I went on my own.
This is a very eclectic collection of artifacts that have something to do with the history of the city. There is one section devoted to naval memorabilia as Simon's Town was a key British naval base, another had to do with famous citizens of the town, another the effect of apartheid laws. All in all it gives the feel of locals making individual contributions from their personal collections of whatever they felt would add to the history of the city. Someone has had the job of putting it all together and then have done a fine job considering the varied range of subject matter exhibited. A genuine community effort.
This is a very eclectic collection of artifacts that have something to do with the history of the city. There is one section devoted to naval memorabilia as Simon's Town was a key British naval base, another had to do with famous citizens of the town, another the effect of apartheid laws. All in all it gives the feel of locals making individual contributions from their personal collections of whatever they felt would add to the history of the city. Someone has had the job of putting it all together and then have done a fine job considering the varied range of subject matter exhibited. A genuine community effort.
Written January 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George M
Cape Town, South Africa121 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
Great, well kept little musuem with a nautical feel (Simonstown is a Naval town) Lots of naval memorabilia and interesting artefacts. A great trip for the family, especially those with young kids. No entry fee, donations only! Highly recommended if you are in Simonstown
Written December 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vandarfelix
Greater Melbourne, Australia27 contributions
Oct 2019
A small historical museum managed by very group of very dedicated volunteers. The museum is located next to St Francis Church noted as the oldest church in South Africa. Standing at the entrance to the museum you will experience spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and beyond of Simonstown. The historical history and artefacts are well displayed. they could do better if the under-utilised Gerry Read Lecture Hall and possible a second room could accommodated a start, continue and finish room. Fo example: start with the first people of Simonstown, then Simon Van Der Stel, then the first Slavery Period of 1743-1843. This is very important as it will give a clear indication on who they where and their link to all Simonstown families passed and current. The significant of the old cemetery and Kramat, The British Nav and it's links to Napoleon Bonaparte, St Helena and Tristan Da Cuhna and the Simonstown families that had links to this history including Aunty Joan family (Museum Volunteer) and the Cotton Family from Hull to Headman of Tristan Da Cuhna to Napoleon Bonaparte's prison guard for 3 years. In crease the importance of the military room to display Simonites that actual fought and saw action in the wars such as Private Edwin George Cotton and Staff -Sergeant George Albert Felix and all others not mentioned. What Slavery and Apartheid had in common (Freedom), the force removal, group areas act, etc. Display those people who made a difference in Simonstown such as the Amlays, Kesoes, Bakers,Juters, Winter, Cartwrights, Cottons etc and end with the modern day success stories of Clark, Kindo, Hampton, Winter etc. I understand that this is a big task but not impossible. Changes will be a big drawcard as many Simonstown people have know idea how their family history helped shaped Simonstown and the world.Thanks to all the volunteers. A Museum worth visiting.
Written October 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill d
Port Elizabeth, South Africa2,417 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
The artefacts and displays seen in this museum reflect the rich history of Simon's Town with its naval base involvement. I found the section on the serving forces during the second world war very interesting - I had no idea that there was a concentration camp for conscientious objectors ( Bellevue) at Seaforth during the Anglo-Boer war. Intriguing photographs taken of camp life made the revelation very real to me.
There is something of interest to most folk who visit, I am sure!
There is something of interest to most folk who visit, I am sure!
Written July 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Minnie548
Manchester, UK52 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
Cost of 10 rand each to visit this museum, housed in the old colonial house on the harbour. Packed full of interesting bits of history, with personal items which make history come to life. Well worth an hour of anyone's time to see why this place is here and how it's evolved over the years.
Written April 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xyracire
Westville, South Africa77 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
Our experience was not at the Museum itself but rather at the docks where the Museum had exhibits on display at the Naval Festival. This apparently only happens once per year so we are very glad that we were in Cape Town at the time.
We took a train ride from Cape Town city to Simonstown after the owner at Koornhoop Guest House told us about the Festival. We wandered around and saw the military display of guns and tanks (people were allowed to climb inside and take photos) There were tours of the battle ships and submarines... plenty stalls to buy food and thingies. They even fired the cannons hidden in the Twelve Apostles hills.
We had lots of fun!
We took a train ride from Cape Town city to Simonstown after the owner at Koornhoop Guest House told us about the Festival. We wandered around and saw the military display of guns and tanks (people were allowed to climb inside and take photos) There were tours of the battle ships and submarines... plenty stalls to buy food and thingies. They even fired the cannons hidden in the Twelve Apostles hills.
We had lots of fun!
Written July 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob O
Kenilworth, UK206 contributions
Aug 2018
An eclectic collection of memorabilia from the history of Simon's Town. All very interesting. Friendly and helpful staff.
Written September 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alistair Gibson
Simon's Town, South Africa55 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
A lovely little museum worth a visit. Great history telling of an area steeped in history. Good layout with very informative captions to each display
Written August 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christel
Seaford, UK576 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Fascinating museum all about the early days of Simon's Town and those who built it. A scandal that the non while population were moved away at the end of the 60s to a township with no services or school initially forcing low paid workers to spend on bus fares or walk 10 miles each way. The local doctor and church minister protested to no avail. Photos of the affected families before and after the move were poignant and moving.
Lots of other interesting exhibits including Nuisance the dog and other naval animals.
I won't forget this experience.
Lots of other interesting exhibits including Nuisance the dog and other naval animals.
I won't forget this experience.
Written April 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there an Exhibit still there about my Grandfather - Capt Thomas G Strawbridge. I will be visiting SA in November and was thinking of coming by to see it. I remember a full scale mahican of him in dress uniform.
Written September 18, 2017
I believe there is, but please confirm with Cathy at the museum. One can't include links in replies, but if you go to the Simon's Town Museum webpage, it is given there.
Safe travels and enjoy!
Written September 19, 2017
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