15 May 2014
Rugby fans in the Western Cape will have a once-a-year chance to visit the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town free of charge on Sunday – and they’ll even receive a free Castle Draught.
The Museum, which has been nominated as a contender for the title “International Museum of the Year” in the prestigious Museum + Heritage Awards in the UK, will mark International Museum Day by throwing open its doors.
Since it opened on Heritage Day in 2013, the Springbok Experience has earned rave reviews. Recently it welcomed its 25 000th visitor and has impressed local and overseas visitors alike.
Interactive
The museum is housed in a two-storey building and features an interactive “Springbok Trials” skills zone, a flagship Springbok Shop and a series of museum galleries charting the history of South African rugby.
There are more than 20 interactive touch screen exhibits, a total of 64 monitors and 20 projectors, an eight-minute film presentation in a mini Springbok cinema, more than 20 audio-visual exhibits and mechanical interactive exhibits for children.
Themes and narrative structures
The museum was put together after consultation with a number of historians, players past and present, and specialists to develop the content themes and narrative structures in the museum.
The story focuses on the different divisions that previously existed in South African rugby and the subsequent unification of the game. It provides an insight into South African society and culture through the eyes of rugby.
‘Proud’
At the opening of the museum on 24 September last year, 2007 World Cup winning captain John Smit commented that it made him “proud all over again to be associated with the Springboks and to know that this brand has such an impact on society”.
He said: “It displays the unique and colourful history and past of our rugby incredibly well and accurately. I would advise everyone to come and visit, and to experience one of the world’s most unique brands.”
Opening hours
The Springbok Experience is open from 10:00 on Sunday as it is every day (except Christmas Day). The doors close at 18:00.
The normal entry charge is R50 for adults and R30 for the under-18s and over-60s. There are discounts for families and group and school bookings.
SAinfo reporter
