Klerksdorp Museum

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AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | OPEN: Monday – Sunday | MORE INFO: Facebook Page | Phone: +27(0)18 487 8900

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Klerksdorp Museum, situated in the city of Klerksdorp within the North West province, stands as a captivating cultural and historical landmark. Its purpose is to illuminate the rich history and heritage of the region. Housed within an impressive Victorian-era sandstone building dating back to 1891, the museum bears the architectural imprint of the renowned Dutch architect, Sytze Wopkes Wierda. During his tenure as State Architect for Paul Kruger’s Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek, Wierda designed this remarkable structure. Interestingly, from 1891 to 1973, the same building served as a prison. Consequently, several of the museum’s exhibitions today are dedicated to portraying life during the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek period and the subsequent Apartheid Era.

About the Museum

The Klerksdorp Museum’s collection includes a wide range of artifacts and exhibits that highlight the area’s cultural and natural history. Visitors can expect to see displays on the region’s geology, as well as exhibits on the history of mining in the area. There are also displays on the local flora and fauna, including taxidermy animals and interactive exhibits.

One of the most popular exhibits at the Klerksdorp Museum is the totally revamped Pioneer Exhibition, celebrating the early history of all the people of the city, from early hominids, through to the Khoisan, Tswana and Voortrekker pioneers.

Another highlight of the Museum is it’s Anglo Boer War exhibition. It includes a modern design, authentic handmade objects by Boer Prisoners of War (POW) in POW camps, a selection of utilitarian objects from various Concentration Camps, and colourful wall panels featuring a wide selection of wartime photos (many of them colourised). The informative text tell the story of the War that touched all South Africans, especially so for the people of Klerksdorp. Klerksdorp actually housed two concentration camps, one for Whites only and another one reserved only for Africans, a stark reminder of racial segregation that would in the later Apartheid years cause so much hardship.

Also unique amongst museums in the North West province is the Korana Rock Art Exhibition. Featuring a selection of ancient rock engravings rescued from a mine site near Ottosdal where it faced imminent destruction. These esoteric images hark back to a time when the Khoekhoe people used this as an initiation site for young maidens.

Physical Location

Photo Gallery

Conclusion

Overall, the Klerksdorp Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of South Africa’s North West province. With its unique collection of artifacts and exhibits, the museum offers visitors a window into the past that is both informative and entertaining.