Oliewenhuis Art Museum

credit: https://nasmus.co.za/oliewenhuis-introduction/

Table of Contents

Introduction

Nestled on Grant’s Hill in Bloemfontein, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum is a gem that is not to be missed. The Neo-Dutch style mansion was originally built in 1935 and has an intriguing history. Today, it serves as a satellite of the National Museum Bloemfontein and offers visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate a range of artworks in a beautiful setting.

About the Museum

Oliewenhuis Art Museum is a relatively young museum that was officially opened in 1989. It is located in one of the most magnificent gardens in the city, surrounded by 12 hectares of natural vegetation on Grant’s Hill. The museum boasts up-to-date technology to store and exhibit artworks in ideal climatic and security conditions, making it a safe space for the preservation of valuable works of art.

The museum’s collection includes an array of contemporary and historical South African art, featuring a diverse range of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The museum also boasts an underground art gallery, the Reservoir, which is a unique space that was transformed from an old underground water reservoir into an exhibition space.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, offering visitors the chance to experience different artworks and perspectives.

Interesting Facts

Oliewenhuis Art Museum has a rich history and many interesting facts. For example, the mansion was originally built to serve as the residence for the Governor General of the Union of South Africa from 1942. It was also used as a residence by King George VI, his wife, and two daughters during their visit to Bloemfontein in 1947. After the establishment of the Republic of South Africa in 1961, Oliewenhuis became the official residence for the State Presidents of South Africa during official visits to Bloemfontein.
One of the most unique features of the museum is the African Carousel Project. The project was initiated in 1994 and aimed to integrate European and African concepts of mythology, reflecting the diversity of cultures coexisting in South Africa. The Carousel is a public sculpture commission that engages more than one artist, working in materials not normally used for outdoor public commissions. It also introduces a wider concept of art making to audiences, including movement, physical use, and fun while still being serious in its aesthetic content. The focus of the African Carousel Project was to introduce children to the concept of art in an unintimidating, fun way and to build an audience for the future.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein is a must-visit for art lovers and anyone interested in South Africa’s rich history and culture. The museum offers a range of contemporary and historical art in a beautiful setting, surrounded by natural vegetation. Its unique features, such as the Reservoir and the African Carousel Project, make it an even more compelling destination.