Rhodes Cottage Museum
AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Tea Room | OPEN: Monday – Sunday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page
Introduction
Located on the False Bay, Muizenberg Coast, the Rhodes Cottage Museum is a place of historical significance and natural beauty. It showcases the life of Cecil John Rhodes as part of South African history and offers visitors an opportunity to learn about early South African industrialization. The museum’s picturesque gardens and exhibits make it a popular destination for anyone interested in exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage.
About the Museum
Cecil John Rhodes purchased the Cottage three years before his death at just 49 years old. The significance of this short period is that Rhodes died in the Cottage at the height of his career and resurgence of his political power. The museum commemorates Rhodes’ life, achievements and death. It overlooks False Bay and has a magnificent garden that reflects Rhodes’ English country and Cape fynbos ties.
Related: Browse more museums in the Western Cape or in the Cape Town Metro area.
The Cottage houses a fascinating collection of photographs and editorials about the man, as well as furniture items associated with him. Visitors can view the long “conference table,” which was in the boardroom at de Beers, and the wooden kist in which Rhodes brought all his worldly possessions when he landed in South Africa.
The tea garden is the perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful views over False Bay and the largely indigenous mountainside garden.
Interesting Facts
- When he passed away in 1902, Rhodes was one of the wealthiest men globally, and part of his fortune was donated to education in the form of scholarships for potentially gifted students.
- Today, the Rhodes Scholarship still exists, supporting students in pursuit of higher education.
Physical Location
Conclusion
The Rhodes Cottage Museum is a good destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful getaway. With its beautiful gardens, interesting exhibits, and rich history, it is easy to see why the museum is a popular destination.
Photo Gallery