De Hoop Earth Age Display
Launched at a function at De Hoop Collection on Saturday 22 August 2026, The Wall, developed in partnership with the Overberg Geoscientists Group, offers visitors an accessible, engaging look into the region’s geological history.
The De Hoop Earth Age Display complements the ‘Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’ exhibition, the anthropological showcase hosted by De Hoop Collection since January 2024. The exhibition showcases the unique archaeological discoveries at archaeological sites of Blombos Cave, Klipdrift Shelter and Klasies River, occupied by early Homo Sapiens between 120 000 and 50 000 years ago.
The Wall addresses a critical gap in public awareness of South Africa’s geo-heritage. Designed to simplify the intimidating concept of ‘Geological Time’, the display maps out the 4.6 billion years of Earth’s history into a physical, manageable walking distance.
Compiled by geologists of the Overberg Geoscientist Group the display is not only aimed at the specialist geologists; rather, it seeks to enlighten and educate the layman, the children and the unscientific but curious public.
Key features of the new display include:
• Interactive boards: visual stations mapping major global and local evolutionary, biological and anthropological milestones
• Mobile Device integration: specialised QR codes which can be opened using a mobile device
• Local focus: references to well-known South African geological formations like the Pilanesberg and the Witwatersrand
• Family-friendly guide: featuring ‘Wally’ the geological whale to help children in a friendly and fun way and unscientific audiences navigate the timeline
• The Rock Cycle Garden: a physical display of Western Cape rock specimens allowing visitors to examine every day geological materials up close.
“We are very grateful to Mike Dormer and Jean Malan of the Overberg Geoscientists Group for their amazing input in creating this very special attraction,” said William Stephens, owner of De Hoop Collection, a premier member of Cape Country Routes.
“It is due to the foresight and commitment of people such as Nini and William Stephens of De Hoop Collection, that this display was made possible. Without their considerable investment in the display and the future of our youth in mind, such tools would never see the light of day”, said Mike Dormer.
“It was a privilege and an honour to work with them in the design and execution of the display.”
