Events
The Brighton of South Africa
by Barrie Gasson on Wednesday 05 March 2025
The extension of the railway line to Muizenberg in 1882 exposed its glorious beaches, bracing air and natural beauty to all who could afford the price of a train ticket. Previously little more than a fishing beach, with the only accommodation being available at Farmer Peck’s Inn, Muizenberg soon became the premier holiday resort in the Cape, and one of the most famous in all of the British Empire.
Join Barrie Gasson as he takes us on a fascinating and picturesque exploration of the development of Muizenberg, "the Brighton of South Africa".
Rhodes Cottage, 246 Main Road, Muizenberg
19h00, Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Members price R50
Non-members price R80
Includes a glass of wine
A journey along the Southern Railway Line
by Tony Rozemeyer on Sunday 01 September 2024
The extension of the railway line from Wynberg to Simon’s Town in the early 1880s radically changed Muizenberg’s appearance and fortunes. Previously little more than a fishing beach, with the only accommodation being available at Farmer Peck’s Inn, the railway transformed Muizenberg into the premier holiday resort in the Cape, and one of the most famous in all of the British Empire.
Today the Southern Line, particularly between Lakeside and Simon’s Town, is the most scenic railway route in South Africa, and Muizenberg still possesses the most imposing of Cape Town’s suburban railway stations.
Join Tony Rozemeyer as he takes us on a gentle and picturesque journey through the history of the Southern Line and its stations at Rhodes Cottage on Sunday 1 September at 16h00. Refreshments will be available for sale.
Rhodes Cottage, 246 Main Road, Muizenberg
16h00, Sunday, 1 September 2024
All welcome at R 50 per person.
An illustrated history of surfing at Muizenberg
by Nicky Hough on Wednesday 24 April 2024
Muizenberg is considered the birthplace of South African surfing, and the earliest photo of anyone upright on a surfboard featured Heather Price at Muizenberg in 1919.
Join local surfing legend Nicky Hough in an exploration of surfing in 'the Berg'.
Zandvlei Lookout, 57 Promenade Road, Muizenberg
18h00, Wednesday, 24th April 2024
All welcome at R 30 per person.
The Life and Times of Sir Abe Bailey
An illustrated talk by Kate Steinke, MA History, Stellenbosch University, on Wednesday 27 March 2024
Abe Bailey was a contemporary and admirer of Cecil John Rhodes, and their mingled destinies created a fascinating story. Hear it told by Kate Steinke, MA History at Stellenbosch University.
Rhodes Cottage Museum, Muizenberg - 18h00, Wednesday, 27th March 2024
All welcome at R 30 per person. Refreshments will be available.
Early Mapping of False Bay
and how a Dutch-sanctioned survey of False Bay came to be used by the British in the Battle of Muizenberg
An illustrated talk by Roger Stewart on Wednesday 21 February 2024
Join a fascinating presentation by Roger Stewart: The Mapping of False Bay on Wednesday 21 February at 6pm at Rhodes Cottage. Cost R30 per person. In 1687, Simon van der Stel produced the first survey and secret chart of False Bay. The British produced the first accurate surveyed chart of the Bay that was published shortly before the Battle of Muizenberg. Roger Stewart will explore the historical context and consequences during the evolution of the mapping of False Bay. Roger is the South African representative of the International Map Collectors’ Society and regularly publishes on the maps of the Cape.
Rhodes Cottage Museum, Muizenberg - 18h00, Wednesday, 21st February 2024
All welcome at R 30 per person. Refreshments will be available.
Watch Professor Mike Bruton's fascinating talk at Rhodes Cottage on the history of the Coelacanth.