Taking a walk around Simon’s Town after our train ride from Kalk Bay during our summer holiday in December we “stumbled” upon the South African Navy Museum . The museum is housed in and around the original Dockyard Magazine / Storehouse which dates back to 1743. After 1810 when the Royal Navy moved its headquarters from Cape Town to Simon’s Town the building was extended to become the three-storey building it is today. Just after coming through the entrance there is a number of Naval Guns from different eras, but that’s just the start.
The museum is much bigger than what one would think it is looking at it from the outside with several life-sized displays like this naval helicopter.
Amongst others there is also a life-size ship’s bridge with movement and sound making it look like its on a stormy sea somewhere. Drama Princess tried it out and you can see how she is holding on to the chair with the effects scaring her a bit.
Except for the display of naval equipment, boats (or parts thereof), the helicopter, missiles, etc, etc, etc, there is also a display of paintings, photos, medals, insignia and other relics. A special treat was spotting Former Minister of Intelligence, Ronnie Kasrils (not the guy in the photo above though) showing his wife around the museum while we were there.
Very interesting. I ran out of time before seeing this. Yet another excuse to return.
Interesting!! We haven't been there. Next time! My dad would have found this very interesting – I wonder if they ever went there – I shall never know sadly