Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Learning Resources

Latest News

The Sea and Us

The Sea and Us is more than just an exhibition—it’s a deep and moving journey through the heart of our planet’s blue depths.

The ocean, which covers more than 70% of the Earth, has always played a big role in human life. It has helped us travel, shaped our cultures, and given us food. This exhibition honours that long and rich connection, showing the many ways we are linked to the sea—through history, survival, and the stories we share.

As you walk through the exhibition, you’ll meet creatures big and small—from the tiniest sea organisms to the giants of the deep. You’ll also discover how much we’ve learned about the ocean through the Museum’s own collections, gathered over the past 200 years. These collections, alongside traditional knowledge from coastal communities, tell the story of how people have lived with the ocean, learning its ways and caring for its gifts.

But The Sea and Us also asks hard questions. Our oceans are in danger—from pollution, overfishing, climate change, and damage to underwater habitats. This exhibition opens our eyes to these problems, reminding us that protecting the sea is not just for scientists—it’s something we all can do.

Guiding this journey are two special voices: Mbali from Iziko Museums and Ulwandle from SASSI. Through their stories, visitors will hear what it means to live close to the sea, to care for it, and to fight for its future.

The Sea and Us is a space to be inspired, to reflect, and to act. It invites us to learn from the sea, respect its power, and become its guardians—for today and for the generations still to come.

Status:
Now Showing
Exhibition Type:
Current Exhibition
Museum:

Iziko South African Museum

Media Enquiries:

Zikhona Jafta

Tel: +27(0) 21 481 3838
Email: mediaofficer@iziko.org.za

General Enquiries:

Tel: +27(0) 21 481 3800
Email: info@Iziko.org.za

Exhibitions & Events

Tap to select the previous period
Next
Search
Close this search box.

Visit

Exhibitions & Events

Inside Iziko

Iziko Museums

About

Dear Visitor

Some sections of the Iziko South African Museum (ISAM) are temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs.

There is still plenty to see, do and enjoy while these areas are temporarily closed.

The following exhibition halls at the ISAM are all still open and fully accessible: Whale Well, Power of Rock Art, Home Coming,

The Sea and Us, Gaiasphere, The Art of Science, Tata Madiba, Humanity, Bees!

 

The ISAM Café remains open and will continue operating as normal.

 

Bonus for visitors: More Museums, More Experiences.

For the duration of the maintenance and repairs, visitors to the ISAM will receive a complimentary entry ticket to any of the following

Iziko Museums: Iziko South African National Gallery, Iziko Slave Lodge, Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum or the Iziko Old Town House.

The complimentary ticket is valid for same-day exploration.

Complimentary entry is redeemable, upon presentation of the complimentary ticket, in person, at the front desk of the museums specified herein.

And for a little slice of Heaven, visit the Iziko Old Town House Café at Greenmarket Square.

 

Complimentary ticket is subject to the operational hours of museums and excludes the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Iziko South African Museum.

Dear Visitors,


Please be advised that all Iziko Museum sites will be closed on

Christmas Day, Thursday, 25 December 2025.

Iziko Museums will reopen to the public on Friday, 26 December 2026.

Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.


Thank you

Iziko Management

Dear Visitor,

Please be advised that all Iziko Museums will be closed on

Workers’ Day, Thursday, 1 May 2025.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Iziko Management.

Dear Visitors,

Please be advised that all Iziko Museums of South Africa sites will close at 13:00 on Monday, 10 March 2025, for a staff activation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Iziko Management

Iziko South African National Gallery

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.

Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa

Dear Visitors,

 

Please note that all Iziko Museums will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December 2024 and

will reopen to the public on Thursday, 26 December 2024.

 

Additionally,  Iziko Bertram House and Iziko Koopmans De Wet will remain closed on Thursday,   

26 December 2024.

 

Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.

 

Thank you

Iziko Management 

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Iziko Management

Dear Visitor 

 

Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update. 

 

Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted. 

The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.

 

Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery, 

Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge. 

 

Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery. 

 

By order 

Iziko Management. 

 
Iziko South African National Gallery

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.

Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa