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National Museum |
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The National Museum dates back to 1877, when its collections and displays comprised mainly rarities from around the world. Since then the Museum has developed into an institution of international stature, focusing on natural history, cultural history and art. Intensive research is carried out in these varied disciplines, and valuable and important collections have been established. Through its displays and education programmes, the Museum renders a public service to its diverse audiences, engaging them in enjoyable and enlightening experiences and enriching the learning opportunities of all individuals. The Museum currently includes 13 research departments (both Natural Sciences and Human Sciences), an Art Museum, Education Department, Information Services section / Library, an Administration section, and two technical departments. MissionTo provide heritage resources and an enjoyable experience to all people through quality research, conservation, education and exhibitions. VisionTo be known as the best heritage centre in Africa. Contact details: Telephone: +27 51 447 9609 Fax: +27 51 447 6273 Email: direk@nasmus.co.za Postal address PO Box 266, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa Physical Address 36 Aliwal Street, Bloemfontein Satellite Museums Oliewenhuis Art Museum On 11 October 1989, Oliewenhuis Art Museum was officially opened as a satellite of the National Museum. The Museum boasts up-to-date technology to store and exhibit artworks in ideal climatic and security conditions. Contact details: Physical Address: 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein Visiting Hours Monday to Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Freshford House Museum The house was acquired by the National Museum in 1982 and restored to its original form. The Freshford House Museum was opened to the public in 1986. Contact Email: mimi@nasmus.co.za Visiting Hours Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 1:00pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 2:00pm - 5:00pm First Raadsaal Museum
It was the first school building north of the Orange River; it served as a church until 1852; it was used by the Legislative Council of the Orange River Sovereignty and, from 1854, by the Republic of the Orange Free State as Assembly Hall and offices. When the Assembly moved to larger premises in 1856, the building reverted to its original use as a school until 1877. The First Raadsaal was made available to the Museum by the Government in 1975 to be restored in its original historical context. The restored First Raadsaal Museum was opened to the public on 20 July 1977, exactly 100 years after the founding of the National Museum in the same building. Contact Mrs Sudré Havenga sudre@nasmus.co.za Visiting Hours Monday to Friday 10:00am – 1:00pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 2:00pm - 5:00pm Wagon Museum The Wagon Museum is situated on the same premises as the First Raadsaal Museum. It houses a collection of historical wagons and carriages, such as a spring wagon, Voortrekker ox wagon, transport wagon, stagecoach, mule wagon, spider and Cape cart. A new display, which focuses on the means of transport used by black people during the early 1900s, was opened in 2009. Contact Mrs Sudré Havenga sudre@nasmus.co.za Visiting Hours Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 1:00pm |