Heart of Cape Town Museum

About

The Heart of Cape Town Museum tells the story of the world's first human heart transplant, performed here in 1967. You walk through the actual operating theatre where Dr Christiaan Barnard made history. Perfect for history lovers, medical professionals, and curious minds of any age.

The Heart of Cape Town Museum occupies the original Groote Schuur Hospital, where Dr Christiaan Barnard changed medicine forever. On 3 December 1967, he performed the first successful human heart transplant in this very building. The guided tour takes you through the preserved operating theatre, scrub rooms, and equipment from that night. Guides bring the human story behind the surgery to life. You see original instruments, surgical gowns, and photographs from the procedure. The museum sits inside a working hospital, which adds a grounded, real-world atmosphere. Visits run by appointment, so book ahead to secure your spot. This is a strong choice for medical students, history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates stories of human courage and innovation.

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