Old Presidency Museum Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours

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Old Presidency Museum- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; South Africa; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The Old Presidency Museum in Bloemfontein is a historically significant landmark that once served as the official residence of the State Presidents of the Orange Free State Republic from 1886 until the British occupation in 1900. Located on President Brand Street, the building reflects the political and architectural evolution of the republic, with its design selected through an international competition won by British architects Lennox Canning and F. Goad. The current structure, completed in 1886, was built atop earlier foundations dating back to the 1850s and has housed notable figures including Presidents Johannes Brand, Francis William Reitz, and Marthinus Theunis Steyn. After the Second Anglo-Boer War, the building was repurposed for several uses, including as a government house, military headquarters, hostel, and school annex. Restored extensively between 1973 and 1983, it now operates as a museum focused on the leadership and legacy of the Orange Free State's presidents. The site also hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances, and has been declared a Provincial Heritage Site. Visitors can explore its 19th-century interiors, view period artifacts, and enjoy the surrounding gardens—now a favored location for photography and cultural events.

Operators offering tours in South Africa

Attractions in Bloemfontein

Anglo Boer War Museum

Naval Hill

4.4

National Museum Bloemfontein

4.6

Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens

4.4

Oliewenhuis Art Museum

4.6

Free State Stadium

Freshford House Museum

4.2

South African Armour Museum

4.6

Reviews of Old Presidency Museum

Kris Duka

5
Reviewed: 2022-07-04

In important part of history took place. Well designed and refurbished museum with very helpful staff. It is not 'another' museum. You can really feel the atmosphere of old presidential days. Fantastic experience.
Lourens Esterhuyse

1
Reviewed: 2022-06-09

We phoned and checked the website, when we arrived when they was supposed to be open, they were closed, and the place is a mess and stink.
Arnold Petersen

5
Reviewed: 2020-12-01

It's a gorgeous historical building inside and out. Meticulously maintained, the garden and the building makes this place an absolute must to visit should you find yourself in Bloemfontein. The building is right next the other historical buildings, the supreme court, Raadsdaal and city hall, all in less than 300 Meyers.
Pieter Prinsloo

3
Reviewed: 2019-09-21

Beautiful place full of history. Original art works. Accurate depiction of old Afrikaner lifestyle. But very neglected, cleaners were playing music throughout the whole house, garden hasn't been tend to since 1867, garden equipment were laying on an antique couch, plaster cracked, ceilings molded, display doors were open and best of all- the security guard was high.
Kal Josephs

4
Reviewed: 2019-07-08

its a historic place with fresh news both good and bad