Beaufort West Museum in Beaufort-Wes, Wes-Kaap

The Beaufort West Museum is a wonderful attraction in the small historic town of Beaufort West. The theme of the Museum is the history of the Beaufort West Karoo, famous people of the region and the role of the Church.

The Museum consists of three buildings, namely the Dutch Reformed Mission Church, the Parsonage and the Old Town Hall Museum. Dr Chris Barnard, the famous heart surgeon, is honoured in all three historic buildings, all national monuments and Western Cape Provincial Heritage Sites which make up Beaufort West’s Museums.

The little yellow church is the Dutch Reformed Mission Church which was built in 1871. It is here that Reverend Adam Barnard, father of Chris Barnard, preached. It now houses a collection of historical cultural and church artefacts and information. The Parsonage next door can also be visited, this was the home of the Barnard family and where Chris Barnard grew up. Professor Barnard's ashes have been interred in the garden.

The Old Town Hall was built shortly after Beaufort West was proclaimed South Africa’s first municipality in 1837, thereby making it the first Town Hall in the country. Today, the museum houses a collection of Professor Chris Barnard’s awards, honorary degrees, diplomas, and gifts received from around the world after he performed the first heart transplant in 1967.

The Complex is an informative and interesting visit and the set-up of the Museums is such that it could be a quick or long detailed visit. The memorabilia on display is quite brilliant.

Things to see and do

• Mission Church
• The Parsonage
• Old Town Hall
• Dr Chris Barnard Family Home
• Dr Chris Barnard Memorial
• Beaufort West History & Memorabilia
• Replica of Transplant Theatre

Admission

Adults, R15

Children, R8

Prices are subject to change, please contact the museum directly to confirm

Monday to Friday, Closed between 12h45 and 13h45