Ostrich Room

Step into the Ostrich Room at the C.P. Nel Museum, where the history of Oudtshoorn’s world-renowned ostrich industry comes to life. This exhibit showcases the rise and fall of the ostrich feather boom, a period of immense wealth that shaped the town’s economy, culture, and architecture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Ostrich Feather Boom

During the height of the feather trade, Oudtshoorn became the “Feather Capital of the World,” supplying luxurious ostrich feathers to European fashion houses. Feathers were more valuable than gold, adorning the hats, gowns, and accessories of high society. The Ostrich Room tells the story of this extravagant era, displaying feathered garments,accessories, and historic photographs that capture the grandeur of the time.

Visitors to the Ostrich Room can explore:

Feather Fashion – Intricately crafted feather boas, fans, and hats once worn by royalty and socialites.
Ostrich Baron Wealth – The extravagant lifestyle of feather merchants, who built grand “Feather Palaces” that still stand today.
Trade & Decline – The dramatic rise and sudden fall of the feather market after World War I, leaving many farmers in financial ruin.
The Modern Industry – Learn how ostrich farming evolved beyond feathers, becoming a global business for leather, meat, and tourism.

A Must-Visit for History Lovers

The Ostrich Room is a tribute to the bird (“Die Groot Voel”) that built a town, offering a glimpse into this chapter of South Africa’s history. Whether you are drawn to fashion, business, or local heritage, this exhibit reveals the impact of the ostrich industry on Oudtshoorn and the world.