Cape Town’s Gold of Africa Museum
Set in the historic 18th century Melck house in Strand Street is the famous Mueller-Barbier Gold collection that displays the comprehensive assembly of ancient Gold artefacts and objects from West Africa and other old civilizations of Southern Africa.
Cape Town’s Gold of Africa Museum offers exhibitions, various tours and educational programs that give a wonderful insight into the rich culture, extraordinary wealth and great power that once existed in West Africa’s Akan kingdoms, the ancient Southern African Kingdoms of Mapungbwe, Thulamela and in Greater Zimbabwe.
The original collection on view at The Gold Museum was bought by gold mining company, AngloGold Ashanti and brought back to Africa. The entire collection was gathered over a fifty-year period by Swiss Art lover Josef Mueller, his daughter and son-in-law, Jean Paul Barbier. The Gold creations were displayed in the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Switzerland until 2001 when it returned to the African continent.
The premises where these pieces are permanently displayed also have great historical value.
The Martin Melck House was built in 1783 and originally the parsonage for the Evangelical Lutheran Church next door. Named after Martin Melck of Elsenburg, a rich businessman and benefactor of the church, the house remains one of the best examples of old Cape Town domestic architecture and the only remaining example of an 18th century townhouse with a dakkamer, which was a small room at the top of a building from where ships could be seen arriving at the harbour.
Tours and prices:
- Guided private tours can be arranged by appointment for individuals and groups that may include themed interactive goldsmith demonstrations or even wine-tasting with snacks.
- Entrance fee for Adults are R40, Children R25, Pensioners R30 and Students R30 and tours range between R50 and R70.
- There is also a shop located in the museum that is open six days a week from 09:30 to 17:00, selling unique jewellery pieces inspired by the collection of African Gold artefacts. Many of the pieces were actually made on site by museum goldsmiths.
Goldsmith jewellery making workshops:
If you are keen to try something new & educational, sign up for one of the three goldsmith’s workshops that the gold museum offers. All courses are subject to a minimum of 2 participants and will teach the basic skills needed in jewellery making for business or jewellery making as a hobby.
So this dynamic museum is not your everyday display cabinet, instead it is filled with interactive activities, fresh and new design and exhibitions that will undoubtedly amaze you. Be sure not to miss the chance to experience Cape Town’s Gold of Africa Museum as it really is one of Cape Towns best tourist attractions.
Where to go:
Martin Melck House
96 Strand Street
Cape Town
When to go:
09:30 to 17:00 Monday – Saturday
Closed on: Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday.
What to expect:
Display of ancient African Gold artefacts and objects
Temporary exhibitions from diverse countries
New contemporary jewellery design
Museum Shop
Goldsmith’s Workshop
Tours/Educational Programmes
Content: Ed Beukes