Heart of Cape Town Museum Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa,

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Heart of Cape Town Museum- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The Heart of Cape Town Museum, located in the historic Groote Schuur Hospital in the Observatory suburb, is a significant site of medical innovation, commemorating the world's first human heart transplant performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in December 1967. Inaugurated on December 3, 2007, exactly 40 years after this groundbreaking surgery, the museum honors the legacy of all those involved in this pivotal moment in medical history. Visitors can explore meticulously recreated scenes, including the original operating theaters and the poignant story of donor Denise Darvall and recipient Louis Washkansky. The museum not only celebrates the medical advancements of the transplant but also delves into the ethical dilemmas it raised, featuring letters reflecting diverse public reactions to Barnard's work. Recognized as a premier attraction in Cape Town, the Heart of Cape Town Museum invites travelers to engage with both the historical significance and ongoing discussions surrounding medical ethics and innovation.

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Reviews of Heart of Cape Town Museum

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5
Reviewed: 2024-07-27

The Heart of Cape Town Museum offers a fascinating journey into medical history. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, providing excellent service. A must-visit for an educational and inspiring experience!
Marcel Kempf

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-01

The best museum I have been to so far in cape town. Is definetly a must visit. The tour ist very interesting, the whole topic is very important and fascinating. The way of presenting it to the visitor with the dolls, the original operation rooms and materials also as the newspaper articles of these days let you dive into 1967. I can really reccommend it. 👍
Hendrien Meyer

5
Reviewed: 2024-04-14

Guided tour by Cindi was a wonderful experience. Highly recommend if you have even the slightest interest in medical history.
Fran Stevens

5
Reviewed: 2023-03-14

Most amazing curator! She was interesting to listen to. She shared facts and had the wonderful ability to story tell. This museum was amazing! Chris Barnard was a great surgeon and an interesting man.
Rista Bampa

5
Reviewed: 2023-02-15

This was by far the most enjoyable museum experience I’ve ever had. I would recommend The Heart of Cape Town Museum to everyone. Very interesting, funny, heartfelt - pardon the pun.