Alanglade House Museum

credit: https://www.pilgrims-rest.co.za/sightsee/#alanglade

AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | OPEN: Monday – Sunday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page

Table of Contents

Introduction

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating history of Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga by visiting the Alanglade House Museum. Nestled just north of the village, this exquisite Victorian-style mansion, built in 1915 by Transvaal Gold Mining Estates, offers a glimpse into the lives of the town’s mine managers during the gold rush era. Today, the Alanglade House Museum stands as a domestic monument, preserving the legacy of Pilgrim’s Rest’s mining past and showcasing a collection of artifacts and period furnishings.

About the Museum

Built in 1915 by the Transvaal Gold Mining Estates, Alanglade House was the residence of the mine manager until 1972, when the last mine closed its doors. This grand double-story building stands out among Pilgrim’s Rest’s corrugated iron structures, a testament to the elevated status enjoyed by mine managers of that era. Today, Alanglade serves as a period house museum, preserving the heritage and offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

Inside the museum, you’ll find a meticulously curated collection of artifacts and period furnishings from the early 1900s. Explore the spacious layout, which bears the influence of Sir Herbert Baker, and marvel at the transformation of the surrounding landscape into a tennis court, croquet lawn, and a beautiful garden adorned with old-fashioned roses and vibrant flowers. The museum’s guided tours, which can be booked in advance from the Information Centre, provide a deeper understanding of Alanglade’s significance and the captivating stories that lie within its walls.

Interesting Facts

The Alanglade House Museum retains a distinct feeling of a home, transporting visitors back to a gentler and more gracious era than our own. Despite being a museum, it still exudes a warm and inviting ambiance.
The architectural style of Alanglade combines elements of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, featuring curving symmetry and functional lines. You’ll find exquisite glassware bearing names like Lalique, silver-plated vases, and upholstery fabrics with patterns by renowned artist William Morris.
Crockery by famous artists such as Clarice Cliff adorns the shelves and elegant tables of the museum. These meticulously crafted pieces add a touch of elegance to the overall experience.
Alanglade’s gardens, with their indigenous plants, historic buildings, and restored structures, provide a tranquil and picturesque setting that perfectly complements the museum’s rich heritage.

Physical Location

Conclusion

A visit to the Alanglade House Museum is a journey back in time, where you can immerse yourself in the opulence and grandeur of Pilgrim’s Rest’s gold rush era. This remarkable museum offers a unique glimpse into the lives of mine managers and the stories of the town’s mining past. As you wander through the beautifully furnished rooms and explore the carefully tended gardens, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the history and heritage of this charming South African town.