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Celebrate International Museum Day and Africa Day at Iziko Museums in Cape Town.

From the Press Release: “Iziko Museums is celebrating International Museum Day by granting *free entry to all Iziko Museums (Excluding the Castle of Good Hope and Planetarium) and will host a diverse range of engaging, entertaining and educational activities. Across the globe, International Museum Day is traditionally celebrated on 18 May. However, in consideration of the local government elections, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) South Africa declared that International Museum Day will be celebrated in conjunction with Africa Day on 25 May 2011. The ICOM theme, ‘Museums and Memories’ is particularly poignant within the South African and African cultural heritage context. Museums wield the potential to serve as platforms from which cultural exchange, awareness and enrichment can be facilitated in order to promote tolerance and understanding. Africa has a rich cultural heritage and honouring, remembering and reclaiming it is of great importance. Memories can be cherished, despised and or suppressed and can be used both as a weapon or vehicle of healing. The Iziko theme, ‘What’s your story – Africa’s forgotten memories’ are encapsulated in the words of Iziko CEO and ICOMSA president, Rooksana Omar, “we hope to reinforce awareness of Africa’s contribution to world history, civilisation and culture”. Ms Omar will officially open the event by welcoming all participants at the Iziko South African Museum at 10h00. Discover Africa’s forgotten memories through dance, traditional performances, drumming and museums exploration. The International Museum Day 2011 programme has a varied range of activities suited to visitors of all ages and interest. Highlights include: – The Annual Art Collections book sale at the Iziko South African National Gallery; – Indigenous games, traditional dance and music performances – Public discussions, behind the scenes tours and intellectual exchange through the tradition of storytelling where we want to hear, “What’s your story?” – Night time Sky Talk and cultural astronomy discussion at the Planetarium Whether browsing or buying at the book sale, participating in activities or viewing exhibitions, there is something for everyone. Our museums each have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections, reflective of our diverse African heritage. The Iziko South African Museum offers visitors a better understanding of the constantly evolving universe, as well as the biological and cultural diversity of our planet. The African Dinosaurs, Kopanang Universe Canticle, Shark World and Virtual Earth (an interactive digital theatre running animations of climate change) exhibitions and Whale Well make the Iziko South African Museum a child-friendly family destination. The Iziko Slave Lodge Museum is a space that connects us to our slave roots and raises awareness of issues of human rights, equality and justice. Trace your roots, find the name of your slave ancestors on the ‘wall of remembrance’ and see exhibitions depicting the history and legacy of slavery at the Cape as well as the struggle against apartheid. The exhibition, about the father of our nation, “Mandela — Leader, Comrade, Negotiator, Prisoner, Statesman,” is extended until Mandela Day. A visit to the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum promises to be a unique and memorable Cape experience. The exhibitions: Who built Cape Town?, Mapping Bo-Kaap: History memories and spaces, Patterns of Beauty and New Year Carnival, Die Alabama showcase artefacts, contemporary and historic photographs and art, reflective of this historically rich and vibrant area. Philately enthusiasts are invited to view the South African Post Office’s 8th Definitive Series of Stamps on Beadwork at the Iziko Bertram House (located on the Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street). Art lovers are invited to explore the intriguing photographic and art exhibitions at the Iziko South African National Gallery or view the Michaelis Collection, Cape Town’s famous collection of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings at the Iziko Old Town House. As the custodians of our culture, it is imperative that we ensure the preservation and continued appreciation of our forefathers’ remarkable stories, and that we bequest these as the birthright of future generations. For more information, please contact Wandile Goozen Kasibe on Tel. 021 481 3804/13 or e-mail Programme is available on our website www.iziko.org.za EDITOR’S NOTES Iziko Museums (Iziko) operates 12 national museums in Cape Town. The museums that make up Iziko have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections which reflect our diverse African heritage. Iziko is a public entity and non-profit organisation which brings together these 12 museums under a single governance and leadership structure. The organisation allows *free access to all individuals on commemorative days, as well as unlimited free access to individuals aged 18 and under (excluding the Castle of Good Hope and Planetarium). COMMEMORATIVE DAYS — FREE ENTRANCE (excluding Iziko Planetarium and Castle of Good Hope) – Human Rights Day: 21 March – Freedom Day: 27 April – International Museum Day: 25 May – Africa Day: 25 May – Youth Day: 16 June – National Women’s Day: 9 August – Heritage Week: 19 — 25 September – National Aids Awareness Day: 1 December – Emancipation Day: 1 December – Day of Reconciliation: 16 December ”

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