South Africa’s inaugural dog museum opens tomorrow

The Museum of Dogs, South Africa’s first museum dedicated to dogs, will open on Saturday, July 27, 2024. It is situated on Keerom Street in Cape Town’s city center.

FOUNDER’S TRIBUTE TO MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Karel van der Vyver is the founder of this unique museum. It will be housed in an old historical building in Gardens, Cape Town. The building is a remarkable 350-year-old building.

Van der Vyver grew up in a household where there were always dogs. His aim is to make the museum a place for dog lovers to gather, as reported by capetownetc.

“My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”
Henry Ford

WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT FROM THE MUSEUM OF DOGS?

The museum is essentially a dedication to celebrating dogs and their roles in our society as companions, comforters, and also friends. Included in the experience when visiting the museum will be interactive displays. Additionally, visitors will be able to listen to stories by dog owners about their dogs.

Furthermore, the museum will feature a brief overview of the history of dogs in South Africa. It will also have a photography exhibition by Johannesburg-based pet photographer Emma O’Brien, and visitors can watch short films about dogs from around the world.

Emma has been working as a professional photographer for over 17 years and her photography has won her several awards. Hailing from the UK, she moved to South Africa in 2009 and has become one of the country’s most sought after dog photographers.

Visitors will have a chance to become part of the museum’s collection by writing down their stories about their dogs in a dedicated book at the museum. Staff members will select suitable stories to include in the displays.

THE MUSEUM OF THE DOG IN AMERICA

There is a similar museum located in New York City in the US – The American Kennel Club (AKC) Museum of the Dog. At this museum there are over 180 pieces of canine-inspired artwork. Additionally, there are interactive digital exhibits. The AKC Museum of the Dog features a book collection that is one of the largest libraries devoted to dogs in the world.