The Museum of Dogs is a dedicated cultural space in Cape Town, South Africa, widely recognized as the first museum of its kind on the continent. It is housed in a 350-year-old historical building at 95 Keerom Street, a site that was originally used as horse stables for the Dutch East India Company and later served as a celebrated Italian restaurant. The museum was founded by Karel van der Vyver, whose vision was inspired by the profound comfort dogs provided to his aunt during her battle with cancer, leading him to create a place that celebrates the emotional and cultural bond between humans and canines.

Since its launch, it has established itself as an interactive hub featuring six main exhibition spaces. These include displays on the history of dogs in South Africa—highlighting famous figures like the Royal Navy’s Just Nuisance—as well as photography by Emma O’Brien, canine ceramics by Tania Babb, and a section on U.S. Presidential dogs. One of its most poignant features is the collection of personal stories and mementos submitted by dog owners from around the world, showcasing how these animals act as comforters, workers, and life-long friends.

As of March 2026, the museum remains a popular destination in the Gardens district, offering unique experiences like evening hours from Wednesday to Saturday and a dog-friendly policy for leashed pets. The museum also continues to evolve its exhibits, recently adding collaborative sculptures that explore human-animal emotions and translating its materials into multiple languages to accommodate international visitors.

According to the internet