Old Harbour Museum

Old Harbour Museum Review

Originally, Hermanus was a simple fishing village. Its Old Harbour, built in 1904 and the oldest original harbor in South Africa that is still intact, has been declared a national monument. The Old Harbour Museum bears testimony to the town's maritime past. A small building at the old stone fishing basin displays a couple of the horrific harpoons used to lance whales and sharks, as well as some interesting whale bones. There are also exhibits on fishing techniques, local marine life, and angling records. The white building next to the harbor parking lot on Market Square is De Wet's Huis, which houses the Old Harbour Museum Photographic Exhibition. Here are photos of old Hermanus, and many of the town's fishermen proudly displaying their catches of fish, sharks, and dolphins—yes, dolphins. The museum's third component is the Whale House with an interactive display. Although the exhibit is still only 75% complete, the touch screens, submarine, and a skeleton of a whale makes it a great place for kids. A whale movie runs twice a day, at 10 am and 3 pm. A craft market every weekend outside De Wet's Huis is fun for browsing.