Port Elizabeth Museum

AVAILABLE: Family Friendly | Wheel Chair Friendly | Bayworld | Virtual Tour | OPEN: Monday – Friday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page | Instagram Page | Twitter Page | YouTube Channel
Introduction
If you’re interested in exploring the rich cultural and natural history of South Africa, a visit to the Port Elizabeth Museum in Eastern Cape should be on your bucket list. Established in the early 19th century, the museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the region’s diverse heritage.



About the Museum
The Port Elizabeth Museum is the third oldest museum in South Africa and is the parent unit of Bayworld. Its mission is to preserve and promote the cultural and natural heritage of the Eastern Cape region. The museum consists of several halls and galleries that showcase different aspects of the region’s history and natural environment. These include the Dinosaur, Marine, Bird, Maritime History, Costume, and Local History Halls, as well as the Curiosity Corner, Xhosa Beadwork Gallery, and the First People of the Bay exhibit. The museum also features temporary exhibits in the fields of natural science and cultural history.
The Port Elizabeth Museum has several noteworthy exhibits that are worth exploring. The Dinosaur Hall, for instance, traces the stages of development of life on Earth from 300 million years ago, and features fossils, dioramas, and life-size models of prehistoric reptiles. One of the most impressive exhibits is a life-sized reconstruction of the giant local prehistoric dinosaur known as Algoasaurus, alongside genuine fossilized bone fragments discovered in Kirkwood near Port Elizabeth.

The Marine Hall features a number of marine invertebrate groups and various types of fish. A southern right whale skeleton, suspended from the ceiling, dominates the hall. This was one of the last whales to be harpooned in Nelson Mandela Bay. Other interesting features are the coelacanth and shark models displayed in the Sharks – Magnificent and Misunderstood exhibit.
In the Maritime History Hall, you can learn about the early explorers of the African coast, the shipping of bygone years, and the lure of trade with the East. The hall features artifacts from shipwrecks found near Port Elizabeth, a model of the Dias padrao, and various ship models.
The museum also features the Curiosity Corner, which is the closest you’ll get to an old-fashioned museum. Human and animal anatomical models, medieval armor and weaponry, unusual musical instruments, skeletons, and various odds and ends are exhibited to arouse curiosity!



Interesting Facts
- The Port Elizabeth Museum is the third oldest in South Africa and blends cultural with natural history.
- The Marine Hall features a southern right whale skeleton, which was one of the last whales to be harpooned in Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Curiosity Corner exhibits human and animal anatomical models, medieval armour and weaponry, and unusual musical instruments, among other items.
- A sneak preview of one of the museum’s exhibitions is available through a virtual tour.
Physical Location
Conclusion
A visit to the Port Elizabeth Museum is a journey through time and a chance to learn about the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. With its impressive collection of exhibits, halls, and galleries, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of South Africa. Whether you’re interested in dinosaurs, marine life, Xhosa beadwork, or fashion from the 1920s to the 1980s, you’ll find something to pique your curiosity at this remarkable museum.
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