Dias Museum Complex
• The Famous 500-Year Old Post Office Tree
• A Life-size Replica of the Dias Caravel
• The Shell Museum & Aquarium
• The Ethno-Botanical Garden
The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex was officially opened on 3 February 1989, however, the Mossel Bay museum industry can be traced back to the 1960s when the Mossel Bay museum was first opened. The museum later became known as the Post Tree Museum Complex before being renamed again in 1989.
The Dias Museum Complex is situated near the beach, shops, restaurants, banks and the tourist information center. Inside the Maritime Museum is a shop where postcards, stamps, books, souvenirs and small gifts can be bought. On the grounds of the Dias Museum Complex are mountain tortoises and ducks. Mail from the shoe is collected twice a day (once a day out of season) by the Post Office. Whales can be observed from the museum grounds from June to November.
Visitors can experience the characterful architecture of 1900 as well as the modernised elements by the brilliant Fagan architects in the Maritime Museum. The magnificent blue Adamastor tiles, the subtle maritime architectural features and the three exquisite stained glass windows/pieces of art, lovingly created by Mrs Ria Kriek contribute to a remarkable ambience in this building.
The museum shop is in the Maritime Museum. Visitors can get a special Post Office Tree frank for free in the shop!
Some of the other experiences that visitors can look forward to enjoying are the Post Office Tree, the Ethno-Botanical garden, the spring, several large artifacts such as large antique anchors and canons on the museum terrain, the Malay graves, the outside of the Munro cottages and the Padrao (Portuguese cross).
The Shell Museum and Aquarium houses the largest exhibit about molluscs in Africa! There are some live molluscs and other small aquatic animals on exhibit in aquariums in this building.
Entrance to the museum complex from Mondays to Fridays is through the Granary. There are a few attractive temporary displays, including the popular specimen table with fresh, indigenous local examples of plants with educational
information.
For enquiries call 044 6911 067 or send a mail to [email protected]
Explore the Museum Attractions
The Post Tree
In 1500 Pedro de Ataide, Commander of one of Cabral’s ships, on his return journey from the east, left a letter of importance in a shoe or iron pot under or near a large tree.
The Malay Graves
This site was discovered in 1968, not far from the Post Office Tree.
The Fountain
Dias named the fresh-water spring “Aguada de Säo Bras” (watering place of St Blaize).
Botanical Garden
The Braille trail makes it accessible to visually-impaired people so that they can read about, feel and smell the wonderful collection.
The Munrohoek Cottages
The first building was built around 1930 by Alexander Munro from Scotland for £25.
The Field Garden
The valley and beach adjacent to the museum complex are today known as Munro’s Bay.
Explore the Complex
The Granary displays a live specimen table with examples of plants and flowers found in the Mossel Bay area.
The Shell Museum was erected in 1902 next to the Post Office Tree as an extension to the old mill and was mainly used as a store. In later years Mr Joe Shirley used the building for his plumbing business, after which it became known as the “Shirley Building”.
The Maritime Museum was originally erected in 1901 to serve as a grain and sawmill. It has now been adapted to serve as a unique Maritime Museum. A life-sized replica of Bartolomeu Dias’s caravel is on display together with all aspects of the maritime history of the early Portuguese, Dutch and English navigators.
Entrance Fees
Complex Entry
Adults: R20.00
Pensioners: R10.00
Children under 18: R5.00
Notice to Visitors
Caravel Closure
We regret to inform you that the Caravel is temporarily closed until further notice for your safety.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
09:00 to 16:45
Saturday & Public Holidays
09:00 to 15:45
Sunday
09:00 to 15:45
Friends of the Museum
The committee of the Friends of the Dias Museum was elected in 2019 after a very special AGM which was attended by a record number of friends.
The committee plan on putting the fun back into the museum and they invite the public to become involved and to join the Friends at only R10 per annum.
* The Facebook Page is managed independently by the Friends of the Dias Museum. Views & opinions expressed on this page do not necesarily reflect those of the Dias Museum, the museum management or staff.