East London
museum
Visit the shipwreck picture gallery |
East London |
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The East London Museum, under the curatorship of Mr Mcebisi Magadla, is one of the best of its kind in the Eastern Cape, with a variety of galleries to suit the interest of most people.
The Border Gallery introduces the history of the region and leads into displays of southern Nguni beadwork and traditional culture. Period settings from the Late Victorian to the 1930s Art Deco style feature in the Costume Gallery where Dr Joseph Denfield's photographs of old East London are also on view.
found in 1938. |
Model ships and shipwreck artifacts in the Maritime Gallery tell the story of trade and exploration along the Eastern Cape coast. There are also exhibits on the Buffalo Harbour, and the sinking of the Oceanos.
The Atalaia Gallery contains bronze cannon salvaged from the Portuguese carrack which was wrecked near Cefane in 1647 while sailing from India to Portugal.
The Natural History gallery features the original coelacanth (Latimeria Chalumnae) first discovered in 1938. The museum also boasts a large collection of animal, marine and avian specimens.
A gallery is devoted to the German Settlers who arrived in the Eastern Cape during the late 1850s and made their contribution to the rich mix of South African cultures.
The East London Museum is open every day except for Christmas Day and Good Friday.
For more information, phone +43 743 0686 or fax +43 743 3127.
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