Location: Bloemfontein
Top Things to do in Bloemfontein
Things to do in Bloemfontein, Free State: The Best Museums
Roughly translated as "fountain of flowers," Bloemfontein is known as the City of Roses, both because of the abundance of the blooms throughout the city and the annual festival dedicated to the flower. As the seat of the South African Supreme Court, the city is the judicial capital of the country as well as the provincial capital of Free State. Several sports teams and stadiums also call the city home, and its many museums outline the history of the region.
Restaurants in Bloemfontein
1. Kotze Kunsgalery / Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Kotze Art Gallery sells the work of professional South African artists as well as valuable works from Old Masters. Also for sale are beautiful ceramics and valuable glass work, sculptures and other gifts like prints. We will frame your pictures professionally with expert advice. The Kotze Art Gallery is a dynamic and well respected name in the art world.
2. National Afrikaans Literature Museum
3. Anglo Boer War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
One of the most significant events in the history of South Africa was the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. Although the protagonists were Britain and the two Boer Republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, the population of South Africa as a whole became embroiled in the war either directly or indirectly. The War Museum in Bloemfontein provides an understanding of the background against which the Anglo-Boer War took place through its unique art collection, dioramas and exhibitions. The course and development of the war unfolds in front of your eyes as you progress through the museum. You are also afforded a glimpse into the life and suffering endured in the concentration and prisoner-of-war camps. We are immensely proud of this historical landmark in South Africa, and urge everyone who wants to understand this part of South African history, to pay us a visit.
Reviewed By waldmeister1 - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
The Museum has an extensive collection of items associated with the Boer War. There are large paintings, the one of the Boers pinned down in the Modder River Banks under fire from the British is very touching when you consider there were women and children there also. It lead of course to the surrender by General Cronje at the battle of Paadeberg. There is an extensive collection of Handicraft items made by the POW's in overseas Camps to which they were "Banished" namely St Helena, Ceylon, India and Bermuda as well as those made in Camps in South Africa. The Women's Monument depicting two women, one holding a baby is very memorable since the ashes of British woman, Emily Hobhouse who did so much to help those suffering during the war are buried there. The recent addition of the lengthy wall, inscribed with the names of the Women and Children who died in the Concentration Camps during Britain's Scorched Earth Policy when farms were burnt and the Women and Children were herded into Concentration Camps with little of no fresh water or medical care is very memorable ! This certainly does not depict the "Best Period" of British History!!
4. The National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Excavated fossils are among the many fascinating items at this natural history museum.
Reviewed By jill464 - Cape Town, South Africa
Immense care is taken with the exhibits. It is always most interesting to visit. The staff are friendly and a pleasure to talk to.
5. Oliewenhuis Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By ruthsZ2714QE
We looked up places to visit and enjoyed going round the museum especially the film of William Kentridge which is very powerful. The sculptures in the garden are amazing and it’s free entry.
6. Gallery on Leviseur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
7. Naval Hill Planetarium
8. South African Armour Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By louiselategan - Durbanville, South Africa
It was an absolute treat to visit this Museum. My son had so much fun inspecting everything. A must visit for every boy
