They say every dog has its day and for man’s best friend, that day is quickly approaching. Museum of Dogs, South Africa’s very first museum of its kind, is set to open its doors on Saturday, 27 July 2024 in the bustling heart of Cape Town’s City Centre.
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This unique museum, founded by Karel van der Vyver, will be housed in a 350-year-old historical building at 95 Keerom Street in Gardens.
Karel says growing up ‘in a household where there were always dogs’ inspired him to open this tribute to man’s best friend. He wants it to be a happy space where dog lovers from all over the world will come together to enjoy themselves.
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Dedicated to celebrating dogs and their roles in our society as companions, comforters, friends and workers, the main attractions will be interactive displays and first-hand stories by owners about their dogs, alongside objects representing these precious memories.
A little taste of heartwarming tales you can expect at Cape Town’s Museum of Dogs:
When my husband and I got divorced, we kept joint custody of our dogs. Every Friday he would come by and pick them up for the weekend. As the years went by, the Friday pick-up visits became longer and longer. The dog are long gone, but we have remarried and our children are at university.
Some love stories just need a dog to keep them going.
The museum will also feature a brief overview of the history of dogs in South Africa, a photography exhibition by well-known Johannesburg-based pet photographer Emma O’Brien, ceramics by Cape Town-based Tania Bubb, stories on world leaders and their dogs and short films about dogs from around the world.
In honour of the intimate way that our relationships with our furever friends impact our lives, a ‘memory book’ will be available in the museum for people to write down their own dog stories. Suitable stories will then be included in the displays, which will change regularly.
Finally, to top it all off with a tail wagging-worthy treat, the Museum of Dogs will also include a small coffee shop and gift shop.
For more information, or to submit your own story to be featured in the museum, head on over to their website here.
Details:
- Location: 95 Keerom Street, Gardens
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm
- Cost: R100 (adults) | R50 (kids under 16)
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Picture: Supplied
