Visitors pack museum’s first Saturday opening
THE East London Museum opened its doors on Saturday for the first time this year – to an overwhelming response from the public.
Museum information technology administrator Derek Holde said the museum had decided to open on Saturdays due to public demand.
“The staff agreed about the opening on Saturdays, which was a good thing for people to have something to do on their Saturday mornings,” Holder said.
The large turnout was beyond their expectations, he said.
Mother and son, Joy and Joel Lewis, thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the museum.
“This is my first time coming to the museum. I've been in East London for the past six months, and have never had the chance to visit the museum. The museums in Cape Town are open on weekends. I think it is great that East London is following the trend, as it is convenient for us people who work during the week,” Lewis said.
Also visiting the museum on Saturday were Keith Brady, with his grandson Andrew Brady.
The five-year-old said the Coelacanth display was his favourite.
Brady said the museum was an important tourist attraction.
“My grandson and I usually come here to spend some quality time together, just to teach him about the background of East London, and also some interesting facts about extinct and endangered animals,” Brady said.
The Museum is open Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 4pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
The entrance fee is R20 for adults, R10 for children and R15 for pensioners.