Bayworld
Games in Port Elizabeth

Bayworld, Oceanarium, incorporating the Port Elizabeth Museum, Snake Park and No 7 Castle Hill Museum.

A visit to a well-run, well-supported museum such as Bayworld can be an exciting adventure and an exploration into all aspects of our environment, be it nature or culture. The Port Elizabeth Museum at Bayworld is the third oldest museum in South Africa. In 1856 land was granted to the municipality for the erection of a town hall, municipal offices, library and Athenaeum. A small room was set aside in the Athenaeum for the collection of unusual natural history specimens. The response was apathetic and it was only in 1885 that the Museum acquired new premises in a room behind the Feathermarket Hall. It took a further twelve years before the institution became known as the Port Elizabeth Museum in 1897, with Mr Marshall as the first Curator. The collections expanded and rapidly outgrew the allocated space. It was with relief that in 1919 the Museum was able to move to the luxurious mansion in Bird Street, bequeathed by AW Guthrie. In 1933 a newly constructed Seal Pool opened, but the smell and guttural bickering and barking at night intruded on the lifestyle of the elite residents of Bird Street. In 1942 the Museum School was established, bringing a new, exciting method of education to many. Specimens, contained in suitable boxes, were sent to schools to further pupils’ knowledge of animals, plants and cultural objects. The Tropical House, with its wonderful plants, bird life/flamingoes, crocodiles and Night House with nocturnal animals such as nagapies and owls, opened to the public in The striking murals on the exterior of the building were created by Port Elizabeth sculptor, Phil Kolbe. During Dr John Wallace's period as Director, the education and research sectors of the Museum expanded rapidly with new classrooms, office space, laboratories and storerooms being built. The Museum shop and Ice-cream Parlour came into being and the Snake Park acquired a modern entrance. Computers were introduced to all departments and rapid progress was made in the technological field. He oversaw the transition to the new democracy in 1994 and was fully involved in endeavouring to keep museums to the forefront in the new regime. The former Tropical House was renovated and converted into a multipurpose exhibition and events centre (EEC). It is viewed as an important transformation effort representing the heritage of the Khoisan people of the Eastern Cape. 2009 saw the relocation of the two remaining dolphins, Domino and Dumisa, to Ocean Park in Hong Kong on a breeding loan. The Oceanarium was closed during this period and the seals relocated to Gauteng. A new seal presentation pool and a new grandstand were built. The NMBM is interested in taking over the Snake Park and Oceanarium with the MBDA acting as its agent, who will be responsible for the future development and refurbishment of the two components. The proposed redevelopment will ensure a world class visitor attraction with a totally unique experience.