By Daniëlle Gerber
Stellenbosch is a historic town – colonised in 1679, it quickly became a Dutch town distinct with the lanes of oak trees and vineyards[i]. It should be noted that Simon van der Stel (Governor of the Cape Colony) was not the first to find Stellenbosch as South African tribes had already been living in the area for years. In this article, we will be looking at museums in Stellenbosch.
However, the following museums do exist in the Stellenbosch vicinity and through restoration, art, and presentations it paints the story of how Stellenbosch came to be the town we know it as today.
Village Museum
Found at 37 Ryneveld Street, this museum focuses on the daily life of previous Stellenbosch populations. Specifically, the Schreuderhuis, Blettermanhuis, OM Berghhuis and Grosvenor House are on display as four restored historic homes, showing the architecture and interiors of households through different time periods.
Toy & Miniature Museum
On Mark Street, Stellenbosch Central, this museum displays an assortment of 1:12 scale miniatures and toys. Especially exciting is the detailed miniature Blue train (a famous South African train), unique on the African continent. See it run its course from Stellenbosch, to the Cape Winelands, and past the Matjiesfontein in the museum’s model display.
University Museum
Found on 52 Ryneveld Street, this museum is hosted in the old Hoërskool Bloemhof building for girls (built in 1907). This museum specifically focuses on ‘anthropological, cultural historical and visual art collections’ as the Stellenbosch University’s museum.
University Museum
Found on 52 Ryneveld Street, this museum is hosted in the old Hoërskool Bloemhof building for girls (built in 1907). This museum specifically focuses on ‘anthropological, cultural historical and visual art collections’ as the Stellenbosch University’s museum.
Specifically look out for the Wednesday Art Walkabouts happening on the first Wednesday of each month. In April, it will fall on the sixth and the theme is Visual Literacy – Elements of Seeing. This is alongside many other events – see them on their Facebook Page!
Rupert Museum
On the brink of Stellenbosch Central, the Rupert Museum in Stellentia Street is the perfect museum for art lovers. It displays the art collection of late Anton and Huberte Rupert (a rich South African family). Do not miss the monthly Museum Saturdays, an event hosted on the last Saturday of each month at the museum with activities throughout the day. For more information, view their Facebook page.
Looking at the town now and its development over the years, it is nearly impossible to think that what you pass on the street daily dates back several hundred years. One can only hope that soon Stellenbosch will honour indigenous tribes more and their belonging in Stellenbosch’s history.
[1] SUInternational, ‘History of Western Cape’ in Stellenbosch University. n.d. viewed on 30 March 2022, https://www.sun.ac.za/english/SUInternational/Documents/Overview%20of%20Stellenbosch_Western%20Cape.pdf
