Babylonstoren has long been recognised for bringing an innovative approach to Winelands living, whether it’s their luxurious cottages and Garden Spa (a favourite of chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen) or the heritage-rich Soetmelksvlei experience.
And now, tucked away behind the farm’s charming Moestuin (kitchen garden), The Byzantium is Babylonstoren’s new and immersive homage to the humble honeybee.
The Byzantium began life at sister estate The Newt in Somerset, England, where its original incarnation – the Beezantium – wowed visitors and even appeared at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. Now, the interactive installation has been reimagined as a permanent fixture at Babylonstoren, focusing on seeing the world through a bee’s eyes.
Visitors to Byzantium wander through a series of golden honeycomb-style displays, opening drawers, peering through peepholes, and tapping on animations and infographics. Each nook explores a different aspect of hive life – from bee ‘nurses’ and ‘cleaners’ to foragers, undertakers, and the all-important queen – showing how each insect has a role and how the hive functions as a single superorganism.
“Bees remind us that cooperation, not competition, sustains life,” says Babylonstoren’s resident beekeeper and entomologist, Arné Stander. “Each bee knows its role – together, they create something extraordinary.”
Watch the colony at work
And as you’d expect from Babylonstoren, Byzantium isn’t just static displays and fun facts. One of the highlights is the observation hives, which provide a real-time window into the colony’s daily hustle. You can literally watch bees stream in with pollen, tend to larvae, and communicate with their famous waggle dance.
“The observation hives in The Byzantium are the real gems, offering visitors a real-time view of how a bee colony works together – it is magical to see the bees in action,” says Babylonstoren museologist Elsa Vogts.
To help you along, there are audio guides that allow you to explore at your own pace, sharing snippets of science about bee behaviour, communication, and how a hive remains organised.
Exit through the gift shop
The celebration of bees continues beyond your doorstep. Babylonstoren’s shop is now filled with bee-inspired treats and keepsakes: raw honeys (Sugar Gum, Fynbos, Macadamia Blossom and Wild Flower), chocolate honeycomb rocks, soft tea towels, and hive-themed goodies to take a touch of Byzantium home with you.
If simply observing isn’t enough, Babylonstoren also offers beekeeping workshops led by Arné. You’ll suit up, head out to the active hives, and get up close with thousands of bees (under careful supervision, of course).
“More than an exhibit, this is a space for learning about and connecting with the smallest yet most powerful workers on earth,” says Arné.
The Byzantium at Babylonstoren
- Where: Behind the Moestuin at Babylonstoren Garden, Simondium
- When: Open daily, 09:00–16:00
- Cost: Entry included in the Babylonstoren Garden Membership (available from the Babylonstoren Ticket Office)
- Workshops: Beekeeping workshops by reservation only
- More info: Visit babylonstoren.com
Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!