About Us

Established in 1921, the East London Museum is one of South Africa’s leading regional museums and a cornerstone of Buffalo City’s cultural landscape. For over a century, we have been preserving and sharing the natural and human stories that make our region unique.

The museum is best known internationally for the remarkable 1938 rediscovery of the coelacanth, a prehistoric fish once thought extinct. Yet this is only one of many treasures that draw visitors and researchers alike. Our collections span local history, maritime archaeology, natural sciences, and cultural heritage, offering a comprehensive view of life in and around East London.

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Our Mission

We are dedicated to preserving the diverse heritage of Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape, conducting research that deepens understanding of our past and present, and engaging with communities through education and outreach.

What We Offer

Natural History: Fossils, birds, mammals, and marine life that reveal the region’s biodiversity.

Humanities: Cultural artefacts, domestic history, and a photographic archive documenting everyday lives.

Maritime Heritage: Shipwrecks, navigation, and the archaeology of the coast.

By connecting people with stories from the land, sea, and community, the East London Museum continues to serve as both a place of learning and a space of inspiration. Whether you are a visitor, a researcher, or part of a school group, the museum offers something for everyone.

Our Team

The East London Museum is more than its collections — it is the people who care for them, study them, and share them with the public. Our dedicated team works across different departments to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Buffalo City, while creating memorable experiences for visitors, researchers, and schools. Meet the people behind the museum.

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