Old Harbour Museum

The Old Harbour Museum is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and protecting the heritage of the greater Hermanus area. It comprises the Old Fishing Harbour and the historic Fishermen's Village. The open-air museum at the harbour has exhibits that include fishing boats, the original sea wall, brine tanks, and Bokkom stands. An indoor museum highlights the natural and cultural history of Hermanus. The Fishermen’s Village includes authentic fishermen’s cottages, a Photographic Museum and the Whale House. A war memorial built on the cliff top between the harbour and village in 1929 lists the names of the Hermanus residents who died in both World Wars and the Bush War. To support the museum’s sustainability, the Friends of the Old Harbour Museum has a membership programme for R100 a year and welcomes all donations.

About

The Old Harbour Museum in Hermanus was officially established in 1972.

The Board of Trustees bought the Fishermen’s Village in 1983.

Objectives

To preserve and protect the heritage of Greater Hermanus while raising awareness and educating the community and visitors
To collect artefacts and information relevant to the heritage of the communities of Greater Hermanus and its surrounding areas
To document, conserve, store or exhibit artefacts according to professional standards
To exhibit artefacts where possible to share information with the public
To increase interactive exhibitions in the museum
To promote the museum as a fun education tool
To make the premises, information and artefacts available to researchers
To increase staff training and educational upliftment programmes
To ensure that the museum is children-friendly in all its exhibitions

Museum Layout

Old Harbour Museum includes the Old Fishing Harbour and the Fishermen’s Village.

Old Fishing Harbour

Old Harbour Indoor Museum
Open Air Museum

Open-air Museum

Fish Sheds
Fish Drying Stands
Sea Wall and Breakwater
Gutting Tables
Crane Hub
Turning Stone
Winch and Cable Roller
Boat Building Area
Museum Building
War Memorial

Fishermen’s Village

De Wet’s Huis - Photographic Museum
Whale House Museum

Friends of the Old Harbour Museum

Friends of the Old Harbour Museum was formed to raise funds to help sustain the museum. Your membership ensures the stories of the past continue to inspire future generations.

Become a Member

Membership for R100 a year includes free entry to museums in Hermanus, making it a valuable perk while contributing to a worthy cause.

Coffee Table Book

Hermanus - A Photographic History of 1855 -1955 (compiled by long-time residents Michael Clark, Dinkie Marais and Jack van Dyk).

This beautiful book is a treasure trove of local history, offering a captivating glimpse into the history of Hermanus. Profits from book sales will be used to preserve the Old Harbour Museum.

Contact Old Harbour Museum for more information on becoming a member and where to buy your copy of Hermanus - A Photographic History of 1855 -1955.

Reviews

“Stepping back in time you could just imagine the hustle and bustle that would occur in this old harbour back in the day. The Old Harbour Museum in Hermanus is a beautiful place to take the kids to walk and explore, checking out the Dassies as you head down towards the harbour. There is a fab place for the kids to play in the water. During whale season, this is the best spot to watch the whales.” Fibi

“Old Harbour Museum is well worth the visit and I learned a few things. Museum tickets are valid at the photographic exhibition with lovely historical photos.” David Waters

“The Old Harbour Museum is located inside the original stone building overlooking the ebb and flow of the ocean. It makes for a very unique and memorable experience. Grab a coffee upstairs at one of the cafés and sit on the harbour wall while you spot whales.” Daniel John

Old Fishing Harbour - Fishermen’s Village