Discover the history of slavery at the Cape

Behind the walls of one of Cape Town's oldest buildings lies a history that shaped the city we know today. Built in 1679, the Slave Lodge once housed thousands of enslaved men, women and children brought to the Cape, many from East Africa, Madagascar, India and Southeast Asia. Today, the building tells their stories, exploring the lives, struggles and extraordinary resilience of people whose contributions helped shape Cape Town's language, food, culture and identity. Through powerful exhibitions examining slavery, resistance and human rights, discover a chapter of Cape Town's history that deserves to be remembered. It's a deeply moving experience that will change the way you see the city around you. Iziko Museums

BEFORE YOU GO
The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm. It is closed on Sundays. Allow approximately 60–90 minutes to explore the exhibitions, particularly the permanent Remembering Slavery galleries. South African students and pensioners receive free admission on Fridays with valid identification, and selected commemorative days also offer free entry. The museum is situated beside Church Square, where a memorial commemorates the enslaved people who helped build Cape Town. Some exhibitions deal with disturbing historical events, so parents may wish to prepare younger children before visiting.