Mechanic's Institute

The Mechanic's Institute was a form of technical school, intended to keep the youth occupied and to give them some background and training in science and technology. Founded in September 1853, initially situated in Burg Street, and later moved a few times.

According to Broom (February, 1900, cited by Bosman, 1980:p102, footnote 263), it contained, among other things, "a large concert room, in which vocal and instrumental amateur concerts were nightly given and where stump speeches, recitations and other amusements drew audiences, both of the members and of the general public." Broom also refers to the hall as the Music Hall.

The Institute is cited as the venue for a number of theatrical companies in Cape Town in the 19th century. Unfortunately the Institute was not profitable and the building was sold to make way for a new theatre in 1873.