New heart museum opened

Milestone: The newly opened Heart of Cape Town Museum at Groote Schuur pays tribute to the life of Christiaan Barnard and documents the first heart transplant with unsettlingly realistic displays. The museum was opened in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the first heart transplant operation.

Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first successful human-to-human heart transplant, performed by Professor Chris Barnard and his team on 3 December 1967, with a series of activities, including the opening of the Heart of Cape Town Museum.

The museum, based at the hospital, pays tribute to the life of Christiaan Barnard and documents the first heart transplant with unsettlingly realistic displays.

A gala dinner held at the opening was attended by the National Health Minister, Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, and the Western Cape Premier, Ebrahim Rasool.

"The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the heart transplant reminds us of our responsibility to ensure that our research, teaching and service improve our quality of life, particularly in the field of health sciences," said Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Njabulo S Ndebele.

Decades later, the Chris Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town continue to perpetuate the traditions of surgical excellence, patient care, teaching and research.