Discover the Darwin Project: A Celebration of Science, History, and Conservation_
The Darwin Project landed in Cape Town this April 2025, uniting two exciting initiatives that honour Charles Darwin’s legacy:
Darwin200: A Global Voyage of Discovery
The Darwin200 project follows the path of HMS Beagle, with the historic schooner Oosterschelde retracing Darwin’s journey. At each stop, the Darwin200 team leads environmental education events and distributes free learning kits. Mike Bruton of formula D_ has played a key role in organizing their Cape Town shore programme.
Alongside this, the Darwin Leaders—young conservationists from 10 African nations—conducted vital research on endangered species and ecosystems in partnership with Cape Nature, SANCCOB, and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
The Darwin Bust: Honouring a Historic Visit
A bronze bust of Charles Darwin, sculpted by Johan Steyn, was unveiled by Andrew Darwin, the great, great grandson, of Charles Darwin, on Simon’s Town Jetty in Simon’s Town on April 20, 2025. Mounted on a stainless-steel plinth clad in Table Mountain sandstone, the bust is accompanied by an informative sign sponsored by formula D_, featuring translations of the text into Afrikaans and Xhosa. A QR code on the sign also provides access to further information about Darwin and a copy of the inspirational speech given by the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Eddie Andrews, at the unveiling ceremony.
A Multi-Cultural Celebration
The Darwin Project offers a vibrant mix of science, fine art, and the performing arts:
- ‘Darwin. A Curious Mind’ – A new play written by Sir Alexander McCall Smith, starring South African actors Nicholas and Elizabeth Ellenbogen and Andrew Roux. The play was performed to standing ovations in the Galloway Theatre in Cape Town from 7 to 13 April and in Simon’s Town City Hall on 19 and 20 April.
- ‘Art of Evolution, Evolution of Art’ – A new exhibition at the Art@Africa Gallery on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town was displayed from Wednesday, 8 April until Sunday, 4 May 2025, with the official opening by Andrew Darwin and the Consul General of Belgium on the evening of 24 April.
- Talks & Tours – Engaging sessions at Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town Science Centre, Simon’s Town Museum and the Shark Museum in Simon’s Town.
- Historical Excursions – Follow in Darwin’s footsteps (by car), including a retracing of his five-day horseback journey into the Cape interior.
- Gala Events – A dinner with the prestigious Owl Club at Kelvin Grove Club in Newlands, Cape Town on the evening of 22 April and a sponsors’ dinner in Simon’s Town.
- Visits to Oosterschelde at Jetty 2 on Quay 6 in front of the Table Bay Hotel.
Join us as we celebrate Darwin’s legacy, scientific curiosity, and the natural world.
