Free Access to Dias Museum on its 26th birthday

The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex was established on 3 February 1989 as a culmination of the 1988 Dias Festival. Previously known as the Post Office Tree Provincial Museum, it is a government institution which is mandated to preserve and conserve local cultural and natural heritage resources for education and appreciation by local and foreign visitors alike. Since its inception, the museum has become a cornerstone of the tourism industry in Mossel Bay. It contributes to the economic growth of the area by attracting visitors from all over the world who spend money locally. Many people who travel along the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth stop off in Mossel Bay to visit the museum and other local tourist attractions.

Members of the public are invited to join the 26th Dias Museum birthday celebration on Sunday, 1 February 2015 at 10:30. The Mayor of Mossel Bay will address the event. Portuguese dancers will entertain the audience. A birthday cake will be cut and shared with those who attend. Everyone is welcome. Entrance to the museum will be free for the whole day.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Theuns Botha, congratulated the people of Mossel Bay on their museum, and for successfully attracting visitors from around the world for 26 years. “The people of Mossel Bay can be proud of this heritage. I encourage them to take up the invitation and visit the museum on 1 February. It is an opportunity to reinforce your knowledge of the history of Mossel Bay and its people.”