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Observatory Museum

Grahamstown Overview

Description

Visit a rare Victorian amusement once considered 'The Magic Mirror of Life'.

This unusual multi-storeyed 19th century Victorian shop and home is now a museum housing interesting displays, a Meridian room, an observatory and the only camera obscura in the southern hemisphere.

Known for its identification of the Eureka in 1867, this house had a place in the identification of the first diamond that was found in South Africa, and a display on the ground floor tells this story.

This connection with the Eureka prompted De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd. to purchase and restore the Observatory in the 80s to commemorate the start of the diamond industry in South Africa.

The Observatory Museum is part of the Albany Museum complex – www.ru.ac.za/albanymuseum.

Weekdays 09:00 – 16:30
Saturdays 09:30 – 13:00.

Observatory Museum Map

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Accommodation near Observatory Museum

*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling distance.

Sipho Bed and Breakfast |

Sipho Bed and Breakfast

Grahamstown Private Home, Grahamstown Self-catering, Grahamstown Bed and Breakfast in Grahamstown
0.82km from Observatory Museum

Sipho Bed and Breakfast is situated in a beautiful region of Grahamstown, on one of the premier tour...

from R600
1 Unit, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
Sundial Inn |

Sundial Inn

Grahamstown Bed and Breakfast in Grahamstown
0.87km from Observatory Museum

Sundial Inn is centrally located in beautiful Grahamstown. The guest house offers bed and breakfast ...

from R410
1 Room, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
The Highlander Guest House |

The Highlander Guest House

Grahamstown Guest House in Grahamstown
0.90km from Observatory Museum

Established in 1965 as an old boys club to the St. Andrews' College, The Highlander Guest House is n...

from R950
1 Room, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
Henri House B&B |

Henri House B&B

Grahamstown Self-catering, Grahamstown Bed and Breakfast in Grahamstown
0.92km from Observatory Museum

Henri House is situated in a quiet residential area in the heart of the educational hub of Grahamsto...

from R800
1 Unit, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
Zimluk B&B |

Zimluk B&B

Grahamstown Bed and Breakfast in Grahamstown
0.92km from Observatory Museum

Zimluk B&B is conveniently situated a few minutes’ walk away from the youthful exuberance of Rhodes ...

from R1,300
1 Room, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
Mayfield Cottage |

Mayfield Cottage

Grahamstown Self-catering in Grahamstown
0.99km from Observatory Museum

Mayfield Cottage is a charming little self-catering cottage set in a peaceful and lovely indigenous ...

from R600
1 Unit, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
Park Off B&B |

Park Off B&B

Grahamstown Self-catering in Grahamstown
1.00km from Observatory Museum

Park Off B&B is a cosy, private self-catering unit situated in Grahamstown. The unit offers comfort...

from R700
1 Unit, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
Eagle's Nest B & B |

Eagle's Nest B & B

Grahamstown Self-catering, Grahamstown Bed and Breakfast in Grahamstown
1.01km from Observatory Museum

Eagle's Nest Bed & Breakfast is on the sunny side of Grahamstown. Ideally situated near schools and...

from R650
1 Unit, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
137 High Street |

137 High Street

Grahamstown Guest House in Grahamstown
1.03km from Observatory Museum

Our eight tastefully furnished bedrooms are all en-suite and 100% white cotton adorns all beds. Othe...

from R989
1 Room, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
St Aidans Guest Cottage |

St Aidans Guest Cottage

Grahamstown Guest House in Grahamstown
1.12km from Observatory Museum

A beautiful piece of history, comprising 5 en-suite units in an upmarket setting. This luxury establ...

from R1,370
1 Room, 2 Guests
20 May 2013
1 night
 
  • Theatres, Galleries & Museums
     
  •  www.ru.ac.za/albanymuseum
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