Cape Town - Dog lovers are in for a treat with the world's first museum dedicated to man's best friend. The Museum of Dogs has officially opened its doors in Cape Town and is already getting loads of curious visitors through its doors.
Located at the 350-year-old building at 95 Keerom Street, this unique museum, founded by Karel van der Vyver, will showcase the exciting array of dog visuals and special stories by their owners.
Van der Vyver, 24, who is originally from Gqeberha but now lives in Cape Town said growing up in a household where there were always dogs, inspired him to open this tribute to man's best friend.
He wants it to be a happy space where dog lovers from all over the world will come together to enjoy themselves.
“The museum was started as a tribute to the special relationship between man and dog. It is a totally unique relationship. They are simultaneously our best friends and yet remain quite wild.
“Over the years I have listened to so many stories of owners about their dogs, and started collecting them.
“The mission of the space is pretty simple - we want people to appreciate and reflect on the role dogs have played in our society, and in our personal lives.
“The museum will add to the tourist offering in Cape Town, giving overseas visitors the opportunity to visit the only museum of its kind in the world,” he said.
The dog lover attended Woodridge College and then moved to Canada to complete his International Baccalaureate diploma at the Lester. B. Pearson College and later returned to South Africa to study law at Stellenbosch University.
Despite working in the American tech world for a few years, his passion for dogs grew larger and this prompted him to put his idea of a museum dedicated entirely to dogs; into practice.
Van der Vyver said the space is also open to showcase exhibitions from other dog lovers.
“The main attraction will be stories by owners about their dogs in their own words, alongside objects representing the memories. The museum will also feature a brief overview of the history of dogs in South Africa, a photography exhibition by well-known Johannesburg-based pet photographer, Emma O'Brien, ceramics by Cape Town-based Tania Babb, stories on dogs in the White House over the last century, and short films about dogs from around the world.”
“We've had a steady stream of visitors throughout the week. It's been incredible to hear people's reactions. Many visitors become quite nostalgic, reflecting on their own dogs and the impact they've had on their lives.
“I've heard numerous conversations about whether it is time for families to get a new dog. We've also had a few people who used it as a date spot, and, of course, many families. Everyone has been really positive, which has been heart-warming.
“It has also been great to see how different each visitor is - some are major dog fans while others just pop in while walking past.“
The museum is housed in a 1682 Cape-Dutch cottage, originally built for the nearby Company Gardens. Many of the original features of the property have been preserved, such as the original stone floors and the facade. The building itself is an experience to behold.
Van der Vyver adds: “The museum was inspired by my own family background. Just over five years ago, my aunt and her dogs came to stay with us while she was undergoing chemotherapy. Her relationship with her dogs in her final months was so important to her. It made me think of all the other stories I have heard about pet owners and their dogs. I started collecting these stories and finally wanted somewhere to display them.
The museum also includes a small coffee shop, a children's play area and a gift shop.
Operating hours are from Tuesday to Sunday; 10am to 5pm. Entrance fees are R100 for adults, R50 for children under 16 and free for children under 10.