In the series Heritage Highlights, AfriForum sheds light on heritage landmarks and projects in the country where communities and individuals step in to preserve our unique cultural and historical legacy.

It was a big surprise to see that a brand-new museum has recently opened its doors in Cape Town. It focuses on the companions who are an inseparable part of our community’s lives and without whom it would be difficult to imagine our existence … it is the Museum of Dogs!

We are talking to Karel van der Vyver (24). He initially attended Woodridge College in Port Elizabeth, but decided to get his International Baccalaureate diploma at the Lester. B. Pearson College of the Pacific on Vancouver Island in Canada. He returned to Stellenbosch to study law and completed his master’s degree in law at the Universities of Stellenbosch and Amsterdam. During his studies, he also worked in the American technology world, but his passion for dogs resulted in him setting up ​​a museum dedicated to dogs.

Alana:     Karel, thank you for the privilege to talk about this unique, brand-new museum. Why did you decide to create it?

Karel:      The museum has been many years in the making. I did internships at the Jewish Museum in Cape Town and at Iziko, which sparked my interest in museums for the first time. Of course, I also grew up with dogs, so my lifelong relationship with my dogs probably was my initial inspiration.

However, it was my aunt’s battle with cancer that made me consider creating the museum more seriously. She stayed with us during her treatment, accompanied by her two dogs. Her relationship with her dogs during her most difficult times made me think a lot about the special bond between people and their dogs. After she sadly lost her battle with cancer, one of her dogs remained with us. Tinkie is probably the biggest inspiration for the museum!

Alana:      When did the museum open for the first time?

Karel:      On 27 July 2024.

Alana:      Where is it?

Karel:      The museum is located at 95 Keerom Street in Cape Town. It is in one of the oldest buildings in South Africa, originally used by the Company Gardens from around 1683, including as a horse stable. The building was renovated in the early 2000s and now has a very modern upper floor, together with the beautiful historic ground floor.

Alana:      People often associate museums with the history of famous people, wars and political events, or even with art. Why do you think it is also necessary to commemorate the lives of ordinary people (and dogs!) in these institutions?

Karel:      Everyone has a story – people and dogs. Museums often focus on the great events of our time, which are of course very important to commemorate, but people’s daily lives also need to be celebrated and remembered.

The relationship with our dogs is one of the most precious relationships in many of our lives, but it is not commemorated anywhere. The museum is now changing that.

Alana:      This is very true. People also do not realise the influence that dogs and other domestic animals have on our lives and culture – our language, utensils, traditions, etcetera. While researching the commemoration of Day of the Vow through the ages, I was surprised to see that 130 years ago people even took their dogs to these celebrations! Dogs are therefore an integral part of our cultural life, and the lives of all other communities in the country!

When people visit the museum, what will they find there?

Karel:      The biggest attraction is the stories of owners, in their own words, about their dogs, along with objects that illustrate the stories.

There is also a brief overview of the history of dogs in South Africa, a photo exhibition by renowned animal photographer Emma O’Brien of Johannesburg, an exhibition of ceramic dogs by Tania Babb of Cape Town, stories and photos about US presidents and their dogs, and short films about dogs from around the world.

A “book of memories” is also available in the museum in which people can record their stories about their dogs. Appropriate stories will be added to the exhibits over time, which will change regularly. There is also a small gift shop in the museum.

Alana:      How have visitors been reacting to the museum this far?

Karel:      They have been very positive. It is interesting how differently people react to the exhibitions. Each visitor has a specific display with which they associate the most. Many conversations are about whether it is time to acquire a dog or get a new dog. Or people come to the museum after losing their dog.

It is also interesting how differently every visitor approaches the visit. Some come for a romantic date, while others see it as a family outing. We even get cat lovers!

Alana:      Do you intend to host regular events or programmes?

Karel:      We are currently working with animal welfare organisations to have puppies available for adoption at the museum on weekends. We also intend to offer more school tours.

Alana:      What advice do you have for other people or groups who also feel strongly about an aspect of our cultural history or our everyday lives and want to preserve or commemorate this aspect in a museum?

Karel:      Find something you are really passionate about, because it is incredibly hard work. Also establish whether there are enough other people who also have a passion for the subject to ensure that you will get visitors. The most important advice would be: Do something a little different from what people are used to. It may be an unusual subject, or it may be something presented in an unusual way. People are always looking for something a bit different.

Alana:      Thank you very much Karel! We wish you success with the museum and hope you will continue to offer people a wonderful experience in this unique venue for years to come. Thank you also for the awareness you are creating about the wonderful mosaic that our cultural life comprises of, and that all aspects of it deserve to be commemorated. As dog lovers, many of us at AfriForum look forward to visiting you and appreciate that you are paying homage to “man’s best friend” in this way.

Photos: Karel van der Vyver

Contact details

Website: museumofdogs.co

Instagram: @museumofdogs_

Email: hello@museumofdogs.co