The Graaff-Reinet Museum, governed by a Board of Trustees and subsidized by Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture of the Eastern Cape, was established in 1956.
Four old buildings, built in the first part of the 1800s, house a vast collection of Graaff-Reinet’s rich cultural and natural heritage, which includes a fossil and rock art collection, period furniture and contemporary history exhibitions. The buildings are unique cultural gems and an integral part of the town, making Graaff-Reinet one of the most historically significant sites in the country.
The Military History Museum, the most recent addition to the museum complex, was established in 2005. It provides an overview of the military history of Graaff-Reinet and also houses an archival repository. The archival repository contains documents and artifacts which are of great significance. It serves a wide geographical area and is of national importance as indicated in the National Handbook of Archival Repositories.
The Graaff-Reinet Museum is the fifth largest Province-aided museum in the Eastern Cape with a floor space of almost 4000 m². It is a major tourist attraction within the Camdeboo area and one of the most important international tourist attractions within a 203km radius from Port Elizabeth.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Graaff-Reinet Museum is to conserve, reflect and display the rich cultural and natural history and heritage of the Camdeboo area, for the education, recreation and upliftment of the community and visitors whom we serve.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be an institution synonymous with, not only conservation and restoration, but also with exhibiting the history and heritage of all the people in the Camdeboo area.
SPONSORS
This website is sponsored by The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. The NLDTF relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLDTF funding may be allocated. The NLDTF wants the grants to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture & national heritage and sport & recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLDTF contributes to South Africa’s development.
Twinkl’s Top Museums of South Africa
The international educational publisher Twinkl has included the Graaf Reinet Museum in its round-up of the best museums to visit in South Africa. Looking to support museums and raise awareness at a time when people aren’t able to access museums in the same way, they spread awareness of just what you can look forward to in terms of exhibits but ways you can visit and support museums from home. Twinkl also have a wide variety of history resources on their site.
Business hours:
Reinet House:
Monday to Thursday 08h00 – 16h30
Friday 08h00 – 16h00
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 09h00 – 13h00
Urquhart House and The Military History Museum:
Monday to Thursday 08h00 – 16h30
Friday 08h00 – 16h00
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays Closed
The Old Library and The Old Residency:
Monday to Thursday 08h00 – 16h30
Friday 08h00 – 16h00
Saturday 09h00 – 12h00
Sunday and Public Holidays Closed