Established in 1921 and considered to be one of the most interesting natural and cultural history museums in the country, the East London Museum features a number of fine exhibits, including the type specimen of the coelacanth, a fish previously believed to have become extinct some 80 million years ago, together with an extensive collection of beadwork relating to the Xhosa-speaking people. Collection highlights include the excavation of a large fossil reptile skull and skeleton, Kannemeyria simocephalus, near Tarkastad in 1934;  the discovery of the coelacanth in 1938, which resulted in national acclaim for the Museum;  an informative display of maritime history of the area;  work on trace human and animal trace fossil footprints found in coastal sandstone rockface, dated at 124 000 years old;  and the recent dating of the Hofmeyr skull at 36 000 years.

Phone: 043 743 0686

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