The Chavonnes Cannon Battery Museum
The Chavonnes Battery Museum [021 416 6230] in the Waterfront, Cape Town, is one of the Cape Town tourist attractions that never fail to impress.
This museum takes one back to the early days of Cape Town,
as far back as the 18th century.
Q: When is the Chavonnes Cannon Battery Museum open?
Open | Monday-Sunday 09:00-16:00
Q: Where is the museum?
The Chavonnes Battery Museum is situated by the Clock Tower opposite the Mandela Gateway at the Waterfront, Cape Town.
Q: Why is the Chavonnes Cannon Battery a museum?
The Chavonnes Cannon Battery was a massive fortification and one of the earliest of its kind to protect the Castle of Good Hope from war vessels or enemies.
Completed in 1726, the Battery became the Castle of Good Hope’s hedge of protection on its western flank and continued to fulfil this role until 1860.
Q: What happened to the Chavonnes Canon Battery after 1860?
A century’s development in Cape Town caused the battery to disappear under fish factories and other warehouses…
In 1999 BoE obtained the site and had the Battery resurrected by involving the University of Cape Town’s archaeologists who helped determine its exact previous location of the Chavonnes Cannon Battery.
Q: What can I expect to see at the Chavonnes Cannon Battery Museum?
- The museum consists of an outside and inside section.
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There are 3 cannons on reconstructed garrison carriages on the outside of the museum.
- The indoor section provides graphic information on wonderful topics and history regarding the Chavonnes Cannon Battery and early Cape Town.
- One can view the ancient stones as well as the detailed models that show what the Battery looked like when completed in 1726.
- More models illustrate Cape Town and Table Bay’s defence line in the 1800’s.
- This Cape Town tourist attraction also has a gunnery display that include artefacts, replicas and models.
Q: How much does it cost to visit the Chavonnes Battery Museum?
Adults R25 | SA Pensioners R20 | Children (10-18yrs) R10 | Special rates for school groups
Q: Are there any tours?
Yes, there are short-guided tours free of charge. A tour can take up to 20 minutes. Guided tours also include a theoretical lesson on loading and firing a genuine 18-pounder cannon…
Q: What else should I know about the Chavonnes Battery Museum?
- One can watch the noon gun being fired from the Lion Battery on Signal Hill.
- There is a great selection of books that can be bought at the museum.
- A wide range of uniforms and weapons can be hired for film and stage productions.
Content | Ed Beukes