The Heart of Cape Town Museum honors all those who played a major role in the surgical feat that pushed the boundaries of science into the dawn of a new medical era. An era in which it became possible to transplant the symbol of the essence of life, the human heart. Find out more about the behind the scene moments of the first human heart transplant.
First Human Heart Transplant
The drama of the world’s first successful human heart transplant, led by Professor Christiaan Neethling Barnard, played out within the walls of the Charles Saint Theatre at Groote Schuur Hospital on the 3rd December 1967. This museum offers a insightful look into the day the first successful heart transplant took place.
Stunning Interactive Museum
The human heart transplant, one of the greatest moments in medical history, was made possible by an extraordinary interplay of scientific dedication, human courage and generosity . Book your tour today to see where the world’s first successful heart transplant took place.
Important Information for Booking a Tour:
- We offer Guided Tours as well as walkabout tours
- We run 4 guided tours per day at 09h00, 11h00, and 13h00. The last tour is at 15h00, and is available by prior booking only.
- Weekend tours on prior request only
- Group Bookings are essential
- We recommend you contact us directly in advance of your visit, either via phone or email, to check availability and to prevent disappointment
- If you book through 3rd party websites offering tickets to our museum, please note that you still need to contact us directly to check availability.