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Museum · Oudtshoorn, Cabo Ocidental
C. P. Nel Museum
Oudtshoorn museum about the feather era, the history of the Little Karoo and the town's former Jewish community.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About C. P. Nel Museum
The C. P. Nel Museum occupies the former school building, with a dome, in central Oudtshoorn, and is named after the collector whose collection founded the museum. It’s the place to understand the wealth ostrich feathers brought to the town.
Between the late 19th century and 1914, ostrich feathers were fashionable on hats and clothing in Europe and America, and were worth almost as much as gold. Oudtshoorn became the world centre of ostrich farming, and farmers built the "feather palaces", large houses with towers and iron verandas. World War I and changing fashions ended the trade for good.
The museum tells this story with clothing, hats, objects and photographs from the period, as well as rooms about life in the Little Karoo. A wing commemorates the Jewish immigrant community that played a role in the feather trade, with a reconstructed synagogue.
Some feather palaces can be seen from the outside in the town centre and surrounding areas.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1½ hours.
Best time
In the morning or afternoon, on a weekday. A good activity for the hottest hours of the day.
How to get there
It is on Baron van Reede Street, in central Oudtshoorn, within walking distance.
Tip
After the visit, walk around the town centre to see the façades of the feather palaces.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about C. P. Nel Museum
What are the feather palaces of Oudtshoorn?
Large houses built by farmers who became wealthy from ostrich feathers, between the late 19th century and 1914.
What is in the C. P. Nel Museum?
The history of the feather era, life in the Little Karoo, and the town's Jewish community.
Is the museum in the centre?
Yes, on Baron van Reede Street.