The ‘Reimagining the South African Museum’ Discussion led by the Curatorial Team at Iziko Museums

The Reimagining Heritage, Archives and Museums: Today/Tomorrow convening took place from 13th to 15th February 2024 at the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town.

Established in 1852, the Iziko South African Museum (ISAM) is the oldest and largest museum in southern Africa. It is one of eleven museums that fall under the Iziko Museums of South Africa, which are home to a variety of natural, social, art and cultural collections.

The Iziko South African Museum is turning 200 years old in 2025. As such, this international gathering presented an opportunity for the museum’s curatorial experts to delve into its long (at times colonial and unethical) history, as well as to reimagine the museum’s present and future.

The discussion was moderated by Dr Wayne Florence (the Director of Research and Exhibitions). It included Dr Wendy Black (the Chief Curator of Art and Social History), Dr Wandile Kasibe (the Curator of Culture and Identity), Annelize Kotze (the Curator of Social History), and Dr Nokuthula Nhleko (Curator of Entomology).

Watch the full discussion below to learn more about the Iziko South African Museum from newer perspectives, and about what this milestone means for the industry.