The tiny Bernberg Museum in Forest Town, Johannesburg, is dedicated to the finery of yesteryear, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history of women's costume over the last two centuries.
Not many people tend to notice the rather modest building that houses the Bernberg Museum, even though it is situated just a stone's throw from busy Jan Smuts Avenue, not far from the Johannesburg Zoological Gardens. Even fewer people actually visit the museum, as a glance at the visitors' book will reveal. This is a pity, because - tiny though it is - the Bernberg Museum has a rather special charm.
Women's dresses, dating from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, comprise the greater part of the collection, although there are a few men's and children's garments on display, along with a small collection of hats, fans, shoes, purses and the numerous other small objects that any well-dressed lady once carried on her person.
The museum owes its existence almost entirely to the generosity of the Bernberg sisters, Anna and Theresa, avid collectors of antiques who were also devoted patrons of the arts.
Exhibits include a Victorian button-up leather boot, made to fit an impossibly dainty foot, and - the oldest item in the display - a very elegant cream-coloured satin shoe, circa 1740, complete with embroidered stocking and gilt buckle.
Visiting Hours:
Tuesdays - Saturdays: 09:00 - 17:00
