By ZAHEERAH SMITH
041Online presents Tourism Tuesdays, your weekly peek into Nelson Mandela Bay’s must-visit spots and hidden gems, brought to you in collaboration with Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism. This week, we rediscovered a little magic and our inner child at Imagine That Selfie Museum in Baywest Mall, a vibrant, joy-filled space where creativity, colour, and nostalgia collide.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with smiles and a spotless, well-organised space. It felt like entering a vibrant playground of creativity, and we couldn’t wait to dive right in.
Backdrops that spark imagination
With more than 20 exquisitely curated selfie booths, the museum is a paradise for photo lovers and content creators alike. Each scene, from whimsical dreamscapes to bold, pop-colour installations, practically begs you to strike a pose. We felt like kids again, tumbling into ball pits and giggling at funny props, but with grown-up ring lights and smartphone stands making sure our selfies were crisp and Insta-ready.
Staff who care
A shout-out to Caleigh, one of the newest team members, only her first week, but she was an absolute gem. She checked in on us frequently, offered quick tips, and even helped film some of our content videos. Friendly, attentive, and enthusiastic, that level of care doesn’t go unnoticed. The whole vibe helps adults feel safe letting loose, and kids feel free to explore.
Fun for all ages
What really stood out was how inclusive the space is. Whether you’re here for a family outing, a first-time date, or a solo creator session, there’s something for everyone. Adults and kids alike are encouraged to play, laugh, jump, and create memories, and this isn’t just my take. Many reviewers, including local parent blogs, describe it as “a place where art meets fun” for all ages .
Packages and perks
They offer a variety of ticket options:
- Adults (18+): R120
- Teens (13–17): R95
- Kids (3–12): R80
- Family Packages: from R380
Or even better, if you’re a Nelson Mandela Bay Pass holder, entry is completely free!
Why it’s a must‑visit
- Creativity booster: The themed booths change with holidays and events, so every visit can feel brand new
- Content goldmine: Ring lights and phone stands at each station mean you don’t have to rely on someone else for a great shot.
- Group-friendly: From birthdays to girls’ nights, even team-building sessions, you can book group packages or take over the whole space.
- Support local creativity: Many of the vibrant sets are designed and sponsored by local artists and businesses, keeping the energy authentically Eastern Cape.
Our highlight moments:
- Ball pit bliss
We dove in like kids on a sugar high, laughing so hard we cried. It was playful, silly, and surprisingly therapeutic. There’s just something about being knee-deep in balls that makes you forget about bills, to-do lists, and adulting in general. - Friendship vibes
From boomerangs to bold selfies, we got to be ourselves. We played off each other’s energy, tried every pose we could think of, and even pulled off some accidental model moments. It felt like we pressed pause on the world outside and hit record on the joy. - First week magic
Caleigh’s excitement was contagious. Even though it was her first week on the job, she made us feel like VIPs, checking in, offering suggestions, and jumping right in to help shoot some of our videos. You could tell she genuinely wanted us to have fun. And we did. - Backdrops that pop
There was a money room with fake bills flying around, and a dreamy swing under twinkling lights. Each space sparked a new idea, and a few loud “OMG look at this!” moments. - Laugh-until-you-snort moments
There were bloopers, awkward angles, and at least one epic fall into the ball pit (we’ll keep the footage for future blackmail). But that’s what made it real, and ridiculously fun.
A few tips:
- Wear comfy shoes, you’ll wander more than you expect.
- Changing room on-site is handy for quick outfit swaps.
- Keep an eye on their socials for holiday-themed room updates.
So, whether you’re chasing that perfect profile pic, planning a creative date, or just feel like letting your inner child run free, That Selfie Museum at Baywest is the perfect spot to create, giggle, and snap your way through a joyful day out.
If you haven’t yet made your way there, trust me, it’s time. And maybe, like us, you’ll leave with a lighter heart, a refreshed outlook, and a camera full of colourful memories.
Want to win your own selfie adventure?
Keep an eye on @041online.mag, we’ve got something exciting coming up! One lucky follower will win free entry for two people to That Selfie Museum at Baywest Mall. Whether it’s you and your bestie, your partner, or your mini-me, it’s the perfect excuse to strike a pose and make some memories.
Follow us, stay tuned, and don’t miss your chance to win!
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