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The museum grounds are situated at the very site that European explorers came ashore and made contact with the indigenous people. This complex consists of three different museums and includes five Heritage Sites. The Maritime Museum houses a life size replica of the
Diaz caravel which sailed into what is now Mossel Bay in 1488. The Cultural and Shell Museum's aquarium, Granary and the famous 500 year old Post Office Tree all pay tribute to the natural wonders of the area. Hours 09h00 - 17h00 The Granary is now used as a reception/information
center for the museum complex. There is a live specimen table displaying plants that are indigenous to this area. It also houses the cultural museum which displays the cultural heritage of the town and district. Any Mossel Bay historical and family genealogy research can be done here.
This building was erected in 1902 next to the Post Office Tree as an extension of the Old Mill. The museum houses imaginative shell exhibitions and portrays for instance the history of the use of shells by man. Live animals are displayed in their natural habitat in aquaria. The touch tank gives the visitor an opportunity to touch live sea animals.
This building was erected in 1901 to serve as a grain mill and saw mill. It has now been adapted to serve as a unique maritime museum. A life-size replica of
Diaz's caravel is on display together with all aspects of maritime history of the early Portuguese, Dutch and English navigators.
Hartenbos Museum
The focal point of this museum is the Great Trek, featuring various dioramas and exhibition halls stocked with attractive antiquities demonstrating the living conditions of the Voortrekker pioneers from 1835 to 1848. You can also find the commemoration hall for the 1938 Symbolic Ox Wagon Trek, together with an outstanding display of a typical traditional store as well as the complete history of Hartenbos. Visit this unique Museum and allow us to make your visit illuminating and memorable. |
