National Museum, Bloemfontein
Free State
The National Museum in Bloemfontein, founded in 1877, is a prominent institution dedicated to natural history, cultural history, and art. Its initial collections featured rarities from around the world, housed originally in the old Raadsaal building. A new museum building was completed in 1913 and officially opened in 1915. Over time, the museum expanded significantly, now comprising 13 research departments covering both natural and human sciences, alongside an Art Museum and educational facilities. The museum's collections include important South African art, highlighted by the Pierneef paintings and works by Thomas Baines from 1851. It also administers several satellite sites such as the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Freshford House Museum, the First Raadsaal, the Wagon Museum, and the Florisbad Quaternary Research Station. Florisbad is internationally renowned for its archaeological and palaeontological discoveries, including an archaic modern human skull found in 1932. The museum offers engaging exhibits and educational programs that enrich visitor experiences and contribute to ongoing research in multiple disciplines.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and allow ample time for exploring satellite sites like Oliewenhuis Art Museum and Freshford House. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for special exhibitions. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The museum provides educational programs suitable for all ages, enhancing the visit experience.
Interesting facts
- •Florisbad Quaternary Research Station yielded an archaic modern human skull discovered in 1932, a significant paleoanthropological find.
- •Oliewenhuis Art Museum, a satellite of the National Museum, was originally built as the Governor-General's residence in 1941.
- •The First Raadsaal building served multiple roles: school, church, legislative assembly hall, and finally as the museum's original home.
- •The museum's art collection includes notable paintings by South African artist Pierneef and Thomas Baines' 1851 depictions of Bloemfontein.
History
The National Museum was established on 20 July 1877 and opened to the public in May 1878, initially housed in the old Raadsaal building.
A dedicated museum building was completed in 1913 and opened in 1915.
Since 1881, the museum has been primarily government-subsidized.
The institution grew steadily, appointing its first director in 1922 and expanding staff and collections through the 20th century.
In 1985, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum was added as a satellite, enriching the museum's art collection.
The museum also incorporated the historically significant Freshford House and the First Raadsaal, preserving important cultural heritage sites.
Place Guide
Main Museum Building1913-1915
The central facility housing extensive collections in natural and human sciences, including permanent and temporary exhibitions that highlight South African history, culture, and biodiversity.
Oliewenhuis Art Museum1941
Located in a former Governor-General's residence built in 1941, this satellite museum focuses exclusively on South African art, featuring paintings, sculptures, and graphic art, including prized Pierneef artworks.
Freshford House Museum1897
An Edwardian period house designed by architect John Edwin Harrison and completed in 1897, restored and opened as a museum showcasing period architecture and lifestyle.
First Raadsaal Museum1849
Originally built in 1849 by Major H.D. Warden, this building served variously as the first school north of the Orange River, a church, and the legislative assembly hall before becoming part of the museum complex.
Wagon Museum
Located on the same premises as the First Raadsaal, this museum displays a collection of historical wagons and carriages, illustrating transport history in the region.
Contact
Phone: 051 447 9609
