South African National GalleryvsSouth African Jewish Museum
Both are endorsed by experts. Overall, Iziko South African National Gallery is the choice of most professionals compared to South African Jewish Museum. Iziko South African National Gallery scores 88 with approval from 8 reviewers like Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic and Lonely Planet.
South African National Gallery
Michelin Guide
Time Out
Travel + Leisure
Condé Nast Traveler
National Geographic
Fodor's
Afar Magazine
Frommer's
Government Ave., Cape Town Central, South Africa
From $0/night
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Features a wide range of African, French, English and Flemish works of art." Full review
Time Out "The permanent collection dedicates space to... art spanning the centuries, interspersed with traditional African beadwork and contemporary South African works." Full review
Travel + Leisure "African and European masters are on display in the permanent collection at South Africa's finest art venue, set amid the greenery of the lovely Company's Gardens." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "We’d recommend the South African National Gallery, which features an outstanding collection of work by African, British, and Flemish artists." Full review
National Geographic "South Africa’s premier public gallery has a fantastic collection of art ranging from old Dutch masters to contemporary pieces." Full review
Fodor's "The gallery owns an enormous body of work... there's always something provocative—whether it's documentary photographs or a multimedia exhibit." Full review
Afar Magazine "South Africa's premier art museum houses South African, African, British, French, Dutch, and Flemish works." Full review
Frommer's "Attention is given to showing off a broad cross-section of art from the south of Africa, going both back in time and across genres." Full review
i
It's a bonus that you will inevitably walk through the Company's Gardens to get to the museum (do walk through after your visit)
South African Jewish Museum Frommer's
Lonely Planet Time Out Fodor's Condé Nast Traveler
88 Hatfield Street, Gardens, Cape Town Central 8001, South Africa
From $0/night
Frommer's "Opened by Nelson Mandela in 2000, this architecturally astonishing museum -- like the nearby District Six Museum -- celebrates the history of a particular South African community." Full review
Lonely Planet "Home to not only to this imaginatively designed museum but also the the functioning and beautifully decorated Great Synagogue." Full review
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You need a photo ID to enter the secure compound
Time Out "On the top floor are exquisite Judaic artefacts such as a solid silver replica of the Kimberley Synagogue; you can also discover interesting titbits about the diamond rush and ostrich feather boom." Full review
Fodor's "Housed in the Old Synagogue—South Africa's first synagogue, built in 1863—this museum lies adjacent to the Cape Town Holocaust Centre and spans 150 years." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Located next to the Holocaust Museum, the South African Jewish Museum offers deeper insight into the country's multicultural population." Full review
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While you're in the area, make sure to visit the the neighboring Cape Town Holocaust Centre, a museum and memorial.
