Garden Route & Klein Karoo South Africa Guide
http://www.gardenroutemeander.co.za/
Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, Mossel Bay, Garden Route, South Africa
Listing details
Common
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CATEGORY::
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Description of
Attraction:
Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
Cultural Attractions
Museum
Historical Background
The Bartolomeu Dias museum complex was
officially opened on 3 February 1989, however the
Mossel Bay museum industry can be traced back to
the 1960’s when the Mossel Bay museum was first
opened. The museum later became known as the
Post Tree museum complex before being renamed
again in 1989.
The Dias Museum Complex is situated near the
beach, shops, restaurants, banks and the tourist
information center. Inside the Maritime Museum is a
shop where postcards, stamps, books, souvenirs and
small gifts can be bought. On the grounds of the
Dias Museum Complex are mountain tortoises,
ducks and museum cat. In the Granary there are
conference facilities available for 48 people or if
used in cinema style, seating for up to 100 people.
Catering can be arranged. Mail from the shoe is
collected twice a day (once a day out of season) by
the Post Office. Whales can be observed from the
museum grounds during June to November.
The Granary
A live speciman table with examples of plants and
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Garden Route & Klein Karoo South Africa Guide
http://www.gardenroutemeander.co.za/
flowers found in the Mossel Bay area on display in
the granary. Bartolomeu Dias – the master mariner
after which the Mossel Bay Museum Complex is
named, was the first explorer to set foot on South
African soil here in Mossel Bay on 3 February 1488.
The Shell Museum
This structure was erected in 1902 next to the Post
Office Tree as an extension to the old mill and was
mainly used as a store. In later years Mr. Joe Shirley
used the building for his plumbing business, after
which it became known as the “Shirley Building”.
The Post Tree
In 1500 Pedro de Ataide, Commander of one of
Cabral’s ships, on his return journey from the east,
left a letter of importance in a shoe or iron pot under
or near a large tree.
Botanical Garden
The Braille trail makes it accessible to
visually-impaired people so that they can read about,
feel and smell the wonderful collection.
The Fountain
Dias named the fresh-water spring "Aguada de São
Bras" (watering place of St Blaize).
The Munrohoek Cottages
The first building was built around 1830 by
Alexander Munro from Scotland for £25.
The Malay Graves
This site was discovered in 1968, not far from the
Post Office Tree.
The Field Garden
The valley and beach adjacent to the museum
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Garden Route & Klein Karoo South Africa Guide
http://www.gardenroutemeander.co.za/
complex is today known as Munro’s Bay.
Entrance Fee (Terms): Entrance fee to the complex Adults R20
Children under age of 18 R5
Pensioners R10
Entrance fee to complex ad to go on the replica of
Dias's ship
Adults R40
Children under age of 18 R10
Pensioners R20
Museum hours Monday to Friday 09:00 to 16:45
Weekends and Public Holidays 09:00 to 15:45
Good Friday and Christmas Closed
Location
Street Address:
Town:
Region:
Telephone:
1 Market Street
Mossel Bay
Garden Route, South
Africa
+27 (44) 691-1067
Additional information
Date Posted / Updated:28 Jan 2015
Source:
GRM
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