IZIKO is an isiXhosa word, meaning ‘hearth’, traditionally and symbolically the social centre of the home; a place associated with warmth, kinship, and ancestral spirits. Here food is prepared and shared, stories are told and knowledge passed from one generation to the next. Similarly, the museums that make-up Iziko are spaces for cultural interaction. Iziko is a flagship heritage institution – and southern and South Africa’s largest and oldest museum, now in its 193rd year of existence is a change agile and dynamic institution –adaptive to the requirements of our developing democracy and the ever-evolving cultural, scientific and heritage sector. Ubuntu is what guides us. We nurture the communities we serve and the partners who share our passion. In our work, we trust and respect diversity, inspiring our visitors through creative interpretation, education, research and information sharing – with professional and consistent high-quality service. Iziko comprises of the following museums, each with its own history and character: • South African Museum and Planetarium and Digital Dome • South African National Gallery • Maritime Centre, including the museum ship, SAS Somerset • Slave Lodge Museum • William Fehr Collection (at the Castle of Good Hope) • Michaelis Collection (at the Old Town House) • Rust en Vreugd Museum • Bertram House Museum • Koopmans-de Wet House Museum • Groot Constantia Museum • Bo-Kaap Museum In addition, the renovated Social History Centre on Church Square provides a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate our Social History collections and library. The Natural History Library is located at the South African Museum, and the Art Library in the Annexe adjacent to the South African National Gallery. Iziko has successfully operated a Mobile Museum outreach programme for the past 15 years. Iziko was thus envisaged as space for all South Africans to gather, nourish body and soul, and share stories and knowledge passed from one generation to the next.
