How do you say you "loved" this centre? It provokes, educates, challenges - but love no. The content is too disturbing for a word like “love”; instead, I felt humbled by the willingness of the survivors to share their stories with another generation. This is not for children – it’s too horrific for a casual viewer and requires time to decompress once you have been here. The exhibits all convey not only the tragic history, but has on full display examples of the casual cruelty that people inflicted on each other with brutal efficiency. If this doesn’t not move you, you lack some humanity because it dawns on one that despite all of this, there were indeed survivors who made it out to tell their stories. Entrance is free though they do require a great deal of personal information and there was a wide variety of people, culture and language when I visited. There was also a guide, but it was not clear whether she was attached to the centre or an independent operator.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A DEFINITELY MUST VISIT BY LOCALS AND TOURIST ALIKE!!! I wanted to visit this museum for a very long time - today I did just that. I was fascinated how they have connected the Holocaust with our (South African) Apartheid era... Even the fact that so many people died during the SA Apartheid era is hard to believe. It is even more UNBELIEVABLE that one man could initiate the killing so many Jews and (as a Democrat) justified his action by making the entire German race believe that what he was doing right... I was privileged to watch a video called: HEIL HITLER: Confessions of a Hitler Youth. This story tells how German youths as young as 12 where to become "The Perfect Race". As part of the permanent exhibition in the museum, there is also an ongoing video with testimonies from five Jewish people that survived the Holocaust... I need to mention that anyone wanting to visit, need to bring ID or passport with.

I'm already 25 years old and this week was the first time I've found out that Cape Town has a Holocaust Museum... I played tourist and paid the museum a visit. The security gentleman was so nice and welcoming. Top point to you sir! The receptionists were very nice and gave me little pieces of information about the museum... This is so amazing! Having staff with knowledge about the content of the museum. Top marks! The experience was greatly sad. We'll never what it is like to be tortured and broken like that... The museum offers a great education to people not so familiar with the history of World War II and the reign of Hitler. Proud and honored to have visited.

Such rich history and fascinating insights into the parallels drawn between Apartheid and the Holocaust. One visit to this meseum is really not enough. I visited a couple of years ago and today I found myself wishing to read through some of those ideoligies again and clear up gaps in my memory. The only downside was being prevented entry at the gate by a silly old man for what were his unashamed prejudices to the color of my skin. Luckily a nice gentleman protested on my behalf to claiming that I was with his "party". I hope the old man has since changed his stance to not further damage this amazing institution's reputation.

A wonderful experience. Beautiful kosher restaurant and gift shop. Excellent public library. Upstairs is the Holocaust if you book beforehand, a guide can be arranged. You can also browse the center on your own. Workshops are offered to schools. Excellent location for private functions. There is no cover charge - donations are accepted. No photographs can be taken in the Memorial section. Access to synagogue and Jewish museum allowed.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Must see center popular with both tourists and the Jewish community of Cape Town. Kosher restaurant, Jewish library, children friendly environment, Judaica shop, and a synagogue on the premise. Safe, secure, neat, agile ample parking available, bus stop for Cape Town's Red Tour Bus. Short, leisurely walking distance from The Planetarium, South African National Library, Company Gardens, Parliament Houses, Gardens Shopping Centre. And Cape Town's squirrels which seem to have learned how to pose for the camera.

They say the best way to experience a story is by hearing it from the people themselves. This was such a deeply heartbreaking walkthrough. Personal accounts of experiences, seeing faces, names made it all more real. You cannot help but feel touched. It shows the true evil of war and mans’ pursuit for power. Go and see it but plan something happy afterwards because it is haunting…
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

as harrowing as the holocaust display was, the museum offered a positive history of being jewish in south africa, ensuring us thwt these people are not defined by their tragedies alone. besides the educational aspect, enterig here was like entering a beautiful safe and clean environment, happy to have your kids run around and the coffee was good too. higjly recommended
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's a strange place to visit on your Birthday which is what I did . I kept my 13 yr old daughter off school because she wanted to come with my wife and myself . I thought the museum was well put together and very informative . To see the genuine striped pyjamas really brought home the horrors of that time . It was an incredible experience and my daughter walked round with huge interest . How can such ordinary people inflict such cruelty on others ?

Anyone who finds themselves in Cape Town -local or tourist- should spend a day in its entirety at this museum. World War 2 has proven to be one of history’s most crucial points regarding the atrocious capabilities of man, and the more time one spends immersed in the barely-believable, heart-wrenching accounts of this terrible time, the more one realises how important it is to fight prejudice and self elevation, and to prioritise one’s neighbour.

A must see. Excellently put together, the museum takes the visitor on a journey through the holocaust. Featuring historical artifacts, information, multimedia displays it reflects not just the facts of the history, but the humanity of the victims and the tragedy of the holocaust. A vivid reminder of a terrible time in the human timeline.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Such an excellent experience. The exhibit is extremely neat and well designed. It is a slightly sombre but very enlightening experience. What I found most fascinating was the information from a South African perspective. The addition of having physical items as per the photos makes the reality of it all sink it. Highly recommended.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Memorial Part is always Harrowing and hard to see. I think the interviews with Survivors should have been a little louder as I struggled to hear. The Pizza in the Restaurant was Awesome and the waiter so friendly. Definitely want to visit again during the week and visit the Library which looks so interesting. ♥️
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes

This is a well-informed and effective holocaust centre. Streams of schoolchildren from local (not Jewish) schools visit here regularly. The subject is of particular importance in South Africa because of our own racial history and current racial make-up. It serves well in that respect too, and the curators have taken particular trouble to ensure that the message remains relevant and current.

This is an incredible collection taking one on a journey of discovery about the holocaust. Even having seen and read a lot of info on this topic previously, the Centre really brought home to us what horror actually happened. I can highly recommend a visit. And the lovely lady who runs the centre is amazing. Her mum was a survivor of the holocaust who came to South Africa after the war.

I don't want to say that this was a "good trip" because it was really heartbreaking nor do I feel quite right for giving it a rating but it really was incredibly memorable. It brought the idea of the Holocaust so much closer to reality - it's one thing to hear about it but here you could actually live through it. It is rather morbid, so perhaps not for the faint of heart.

A lovely museum in the city centre. Coming from KZN I was surprised to see how clean and tidy the location is compared to Durban city centre. Take your time when walking through as there's so much to look at. We had large a group of American students short on our heels so I rushed through it, and I regret not going back.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Always worth spending time is this important and contemplative space, trying to come to terms with a haunting reality. An interesting conversation about archival preservation based on discussing Three Minutes a documentary to be shown at the Encounters International South African Documentary Film Festival. mapmyway.co.za will keep you posted.

One of the best historical information places in cape town. The layout of the museum is exceptional, with lots of information being displayed but in a way that it isn't too difficult to comprehend. The best way to learn about the holocaust and it's free
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This was so well set up, we chose to visit from the tour bus. We visited the holocaust memorial and it was such an eye opener. Very good and accurate information. You can spend hours in here just reading and observing the primary sources supplied here. Definitely worth a visit and the lady at the front was so lovely and informative.

The permanent exhibition includes historic text and photo panels, archives, artefacts and film footage. In all of the exhibitions the South African context and aspects are highlighted. A harrowing and emotional but wonderfully educational experience, with friendly and knowledge guides and staff. A must see when you visit the city.

If you need an ID to get on access to the museum you should state that on your website. The person at the front desk insisted it says so on the site...it does not. Showing me a screen in the entry way is not helpful at all. I was here a long time ago and wanted to show my friends how beautiful it is. But I will not go back.

Great stuff : - Interactive education making past events relevant to current society - Interesting first hand accounts from Holocaust survivors - Specific to a South African audience - Various links to apartheid and South Africa's involvement in aiding refugees. Great place for a school vacation!

You wouldn’t so much expect a Holocaust museum in CT, but as lots of survivors moved to SA after the war it makes perfect sense. One of the better Holocaust museums I’ve seen in the world. A humble experience.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It is a place that should be visited by all people who care about the world we inhabit.Do we wish to bequeath to our children & their descendants a beautiful world full of opportunity & positive development?Or do we not care enough to show this generation what blind hatred can encompass?

Profesional Development workshop..Facilitators very friendly and the workshop was very informative.Thank you to all who played the part for making us feel extra welcome as History educators
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I visit annually most times, taking students for a workshop/ visit. Very organised by faciliator and volunteers. Every time i visit the exhibition i learn something new and inspiring.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Honestly really good I couldn’t really handle the last 1/3 but it’s objectively extremely well put together and you can definitely enjoy a lot of this even if you’re super sensitive like me.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Holocaust museum gives you a walk down a painful, cruel, segregated past, revealing the worst of humanity. The journey concludes with positive amends which restore faith in humanity...
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Too informational and not enough emotional. Maybe they need to have a section there for people who have a deep understanding of the holocaust and want to learn about the real finer details. Most Jews know the basic story that is told here.

A very well set up museum! I appreciated the interwoven story of South African Jews throughout the museum and how they were affected by the Holocaust. Settled among many other museums, definitely take the time to spend some time here.

Great history of the Jewish Holocaust. Be prepared to do a lot of reading, especially if you're willing to soak in all the information. The museum is quite big. Very informative. PS: the lady at the welcome desk is very welcoming.

So very informative. There's an amazing collection of artefacts with really interesting interviews from survivors and their family members. If you're interested in history, especially 1 so significant, it's a definite visit.

It was a very safe environment and secure. The gardens were vibrant and full of life. The restaurant was nice as it had a lovely outside area where you can sit in the sun or under an umbrella. A good place to spend the day!

It was very informative, thoroughly absorbed all that shared history, from the Time of entry, We were hosted beautifully, covid 19 protocols were in place adequately. Thank you so much for having us here.

Beautifully displayed, informative, friendly welcome, truth. A definitive must visit museum in South Africa
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It was a visit by my school's Grade 9 History learners. They cover World War II. A very moving experience.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

If you want to find out more about the Jewish settlement in South Africa, this is the place to go . Factual without being morbid about the Holocaust. Lovely little coffee shop and gift shop .

A really nice little museum, at no cost. They have excellent information that does a really good job of walking you through the Holocaust, from its early beginnings, through to the end.

I took my daughters and they found it really interesting without being morbid and depressing. Quality displays that clearly shows all aspects. You definitely get a feel for the times.

I have read a lot of Holocaust literature but nothing prepares you for this museum. It is so powerful.Unfortunately, we appear to have learnt nothing about the slippery slope of hate.

I've seen Holocaust museums on 4 continents including Yad Vashem. This is on the small side but well done and includes analogies to apartheid that really make a point.. Well done!

Went on a tour of the museum. It made me reflect on the prejudices and generalizations people have of each other. We are all part of the human race. It is all that matters.

You need to have ID to enter this museum, not picture, real ID (they only accept passport and driver's license). I never heard any other museums having this requirement!

Saw very graphic pics of a dark time period which occurred before I was born. One only wish that mankind learns from history and ensure that it does not repeat itself.

This is a must "to do" in Cape Town. A true presentation of the genocide, moved me to a deeper reflection of my views of humanity and my own opinions and experiences.

Very neat and educational! There were alot of visual displays which I LOVED.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I love the whole complex and the Great Synagogue and village and collection in the basement but I don't agree Cape Town should have a holocaust museum. Sorry no.

Absolutely heartbreaking but fascinating experience. A creative exhibition.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Sobering experience. Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it! A relatively small display compared to other countries, but impressive nonetheless.

Harrowing and moving exhibits. About mans inhumanity to man. We need to learn from this so that this never happens again.. Educational and thought provoking.

We have visited many Holocaust museums around the world. This was very well done and informative. Tells the history and timeline of the hedonist act.

Just got turned away as we didn't bring our passports for I'd. No reasoning with staff, office or security. A wasted hours walk in 35 degree heat!

This is one of my favorite museums. I have no words to describe how amazing it is, just learning about the history. Wonderful staff and service.

Amazing place to visit So much extra information to learn
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Information centre about the Holocaust and the Jewish community in Soith Africa. Good library and restaurant on the premises. Worth a visit.

Not as comprehensive as other similar museums but a good place to visit to understand more about the local history of the holocaust period.

WOW! What a neat and well set up museum, really cool! It makes you reflect on the past. I'm so thankful that this place is in South Africa

Jewish place to visit. Restaurant. Beautiful Synagogue. Museum. Library. Function Centre. A must visit venue if u a visitor in Cape Town.

An absolute humbling experience. This was put together so well and so informative. It’s a must stop for any tourist visiting Cape Town

Incredibly powerful experience to the open mind. If you do not remember the past you are doomed to repeat it. Highly recommended

A moving place with an incredible amount of information. Don't go expecting DC or Israel, but moving and a must go for any Jew.

An invaluable resource for CT. Every CT schoolchild should have to come here to bear witness to the tragedy of the Holocaust.

Regular speakers and events. Deals with other genocides as well as the holocaust. Good education programmes for scholars.

Overwhelming and heart wrenching but so interesting; we spent 3 hours at this museum and were totally engrossed in it.

This museum is very informative! The layout takes you through the years of the holocaust. A heartbreaking experience.

Everyone should at least ones in their life experience this beautiful commeration of a dark piece in human history

This incredible Cape Town Holocaust is place of learning, teaching the Visitor never to persecute another person !

Very informative . A must for all to see especially " a Denier " , if they got balls to come & have a look .

Worth a visit, wish they explained the origin/start of the history of the holocaust not just from 1933

The worksop was informative, the MC fantastic, time keeping brilliant, speakers great. Carering great!

The Museum is world-class. A truly moving and intensely personal experience. I will return, often.

I work there every Wednesday. Wonderful displayof a part of our history that we can never forget.

I love this site because it shows our history and how far we've come.
Visited on
Weekend

Wow. Just wow. Do not miss this museum if you are in Cape Town. Harrowing, poignant, riveting.

Most probably the best museum in South Africa. All the information felt really interactive.

A must visit place. Must feature on your bucket list. Hats off to the guides of the museum.

Thought provoking and a heartfelt place. I highly recommend paying this museum a visit

Surprisingly good museum, definitely worth a visit, but don't forget an id!

Very well set up.Gives you a sad understanding of what the Jews endured.

Incredible museum...history that is more relevant today than ever...

A must visit place! Very educational. Remember those who perished...

Tremendous amount of history and very interesting. Worth the visit.

It is a great place to gain knowledge for these tours of the museum

Very interesting well looked after
Visited on
Public holiday

Lovely place to visit with great insight and history.

Well worth a visit
Visited on
Weekday…
More

Educational, talk to the soul of human!!!

Harrowing but very informative.

Home is where we come from!