Slave Lodge Museum

Overview

The Slave Lodge is one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town, dating to 1679. Originally built by the Dutch East India Company to house up to 1,000 enslaved people, it is now a museum that documents the history and legacy of slavery at the Cape.

Highlights

• Memorial Garden: A reflective space honouring those who were enslaved.
• Origins of Law: The building later served as South Africa's first Supreme Court and houses constitutional history displays.
• Genealogy: Resources for tracing slave ancestry in the Cape.

History

Built by the VOC in 1679, the Lodge housed enslaved people brought from Indonesia, India, Madagascar, and Mozambique. At its peak, over 1,000 people were crammed into the building. After abolition in 1834, it was converted into government offices and courts.

Visitor Tips

• Context: Visit alongside the District Six Museum for a deeper understanding of Cape Town's complex history.
• Tours: Guided tours available in multiple languages.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.