Oliewenhuis Art Museum | Kunsmuseum

16 Harry Smith Street
Waverley
Bloemfontein
South Africa

(051) 447-9609

16 Harry Smith Street, Waverley, Bloemfontein, South Africa
CLOSED NOW!   Open again tomorrow 9:00 - 16:00
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and 12 hectares of natural vegetation, offering picnic spots and access to 4 walking trails. The Oliewenhuis Art Museum, a satellite of the National Museum, is located in one of the most magnificent gardens in Bloemfontein. It is the only museum of its kind in the Free State and one of the youngest art museums in the country. While it is called a museum, it is in fact an art gallery with both permanent and temporary exhibitions, a restaurant, and 12 hectares of gardens. Named after the abundance of wild olives growing on the surrounding hills, Oliewenhuis is housed in a 1941 Neo-Dutch style mansion that was converted into an Art Museum in 1985. Explore the permanent collection of South African art, as well as temporary exhibitions and the unique underground Reservoir gallery. Other highlights include the Blind Alphabet and the functional Cement and Mosaic sculptures in the gardens.
Category: Museums, Picnic Spots & Venues
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Reviews

  • PM

    Pippa M
    4 JUL 2018

    I have visited art galleries worldwide but today was the first day that on entering the gallery itself I was called aside by the concierge and told not yo touch the exhibits. As a mature adult I was...

  • BL

    Bernard L
    20 JUN 2018

    Oliewehuis was origionaly the residence of the South African Presidents during the Apartheid era. The Gallery boasts original artworks of famous South African Artists.They also host various art...

  • JM

    John M
    19 JUN 2018

    Quite small but has a mix of permanent and special displays, the gardens are very peaceful and worth a tour, make sure you visit the rebuilt reservoir building out the back, unfortunately the...

  • PP

    Peterwdennis
    13 MAY 2018

    As the exhibits change regularly each visit is unique in itself. well worth return visits. The gardens also are well kept and offer picnic opportunities.

  • JJ

    Jilldutoit
    10 APR 2018

    I enjoyed my visit to this gallery, housed in an elegant building and set in well-manicured grounds. Although the permanent art collection is quite small, it is comprehensive and the works of the...

  • LX

    Lindo X
    4 APR 2018

    Arrived slightly late for the exhibition. I was not aware that the Museum closes at 16:00 on a Sunday, but the bit that I did see was great.

  • SS

    sfuhere
    1 FEB 2018

    A beautiful building in a lovely park in the outskirts of Bloemfontein. The art gallery wasn’t as big as I’d imagined, but I’m probably comparing it to British art galleries in size which is a bit...

  • SV

    Surita v
    21 JAN 2018

    Most beautiful gardens, spectacular art. Wonderfull restaurants. Perfect day visits. Gor sure a gem in the city of Bloemfontein.

  • PP

    Pappil0n
    30 DEC 2017

    We had a quick visit with our teenage son, who enjoyed the art on display. Unfortunately the Terrace restaurant was closed and we were looking forward to having lunch there, as we were told that the...

  • JB

    Jacqueline B
    13 NOV 2017

    Even as a not very enthusiastic visitor of museum/art galleries, this is one of the museum I really liked. What a beautiful place with some really beautiful pieces of art, we really enjoyed the art...

Classification

Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metro, Free State, South Africa
Museums, Picnic Spots & Venues

Business Hours

Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 16:00
Sunday
09:00 - 16:00
Public Holidays
Closed

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