Knysna Museum

credit: https://www.knysnamuseums.co.za/

AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Coffee Shop | OPEN: Monday – Saturday | MORE INFO: Museum Website

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Knysna museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the greater Knysna area, and it does so in a unique and interesting way. From early human behavior to the establishment of South Africa’s first unfenced national park, the Knysna Museum pretty much has it all.

About the Museum

The Knysna Museum is housed in five historic buildings in Queen Street in the CBD: the Old Gaol, Millwood House, Parkes Cottage, Parkes Shop, and the Pitt Street House. Each of these buildings has its own unique history and significance, making the museum a true treasure trove of information for visitors.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Old Gaol, which was the first building erected by the Colonial Government in Knysna in 1859. Today, it houses a variety of displays and collections, including a maritime collection with artefacts from ships of the Thesen Line which operated out of Knysna, as well as an angling collection with rods, reels, and other fishing accessories from the earliest days of fishing. Visitors can also learn about Knysna’s famous elephants and the coelacanth, a fish that was thought to have disappeared with the dinosaurs.

Another fascinating building is Millwood House, which was originally built at the Millwood Goldfield in the 1880s and later moved to Knysna. Today, it houses the museum’s local history collection, with local history publications available for sale. Nearby, Parkes Shop is a wood-and-corrugated-iron general dealer’s building that displays the early history of the Knysna forests and the timber industry. Parkes Cottage, a yellowwood cottage originally erected at the Millwood Goldfields in the 1880s, houses displays of Millwood History and the story of Knysna’s most famous early 19th century settler, George Rex. Lastly, Pitt Street House, a wood and corrugated-iron labourer’s cottage originally erected in Pitt Street for Parkes Sawmill employees, now houses a display about the South African War (Anglo-Boer War, 1899 – 1902).

Interesting Facts

Did you know that the Old Gaol was used to hold convicts en route to work on the construction of Prince Alfred’s Pass, which links Knysna and Uniondale?
The Old Gaol building was also declared a National Monument in 1992, which speaks to its historical significance.
The coelacanth display at the museum tells the story of how Knysna’s Professor JLB Smith identified a fish that was thought to have been extinct for millions of years.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The Knysna Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and the unique stories that make up the greater Knysna area’s past. With its five historic buildings and fascinating exhibits, visitors will leave the museum feeling enriched and enlightened.